A flat tire can be a real downer when you're out on a bike ride. However, knowing how to fix a flat bike tire is an essential skill that can save you from being stranded. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get you back on the road in no time.
Basic Tools and Extras You Need to Fix a Flat Tire:
- Mini pump or CO2 canister with an inflator
- Tire levers
- Spare inner tube or patch kit
- Water (for locating leaks)
Step 1: Find a Safe Spot
If you experience a flat tire while riding, safely pull over to the side of the road or trail to avoid accidents.
Step 2: Remove the Wheel
Shift your bike into the smallest chainring and the smallest rear cog. Use a multitool to loosen the nuts or a quick-release skewer to secure the wheel. Carefully remove the wheel from the frame.
Step 3: Observe the tyre and try to find the puncture
Inspect the tire for the cause of the flat, which could be a puncture from a nail, glass, or a sharp object. Remove the piece if found.
Step 4: Use Tire Levers to Remove the Tire
Insert a tire lever under the edge of the tire and hook it onto a spoke. Insert another lever a few inches away and repeat. Continue around the tire until one side of the tire bead is free. Gently pull the tube and tire off the rim.
Step 5: Inspect the Inner Tube
Remove the inner tube and inflate it slightly. Locate the hole by feeling the air leak or hearing the hiss of the air leaking.
Step 6: Repair or Replace the Tube
If the puncture is small, you can patch it using a patch kit. If the damage is too extensive or the tube is too old, replace it with a spare inner tube. To apply the patch kit, use the sandpaper to roughen the surface for better grip and apply the patch properly while applying pressure. After 5–10 minutes, inflate the tube and test the newly installed patch for leaks.
Step 7: Reinstall the Tube and Tire
Starting at the valve stem, insert the new or patched inner tube into the tire. Carefully work the tire bead back onto the rim, making sure the tube is not pinched between the tire and rim.
Step 8: Inflate the Tire
Partially inflate the tire, and then check to ensure it's seated correctly on the rim. Finish inflating the tire to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the tire's sidewall.
Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel to the bike
Carefully insert the wheel back into the frame, making sure the chain engages with the sprockets. Tighten the nuts or quick-release skewer.
Step 10: Test the Fixed Tube
Take your bike for a short ride to ensure the tube is properly fixed and doesn't go flat again.
Knowing how to fix a flat bike tire is a valuable skill for any cyclist. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can be back on the road in no time, enjoying your ride without the worry of flat tires holding you back. One of the best compact solutions for the storage of puncture repair kits and spare tubes is the Enduro Fly storage strap and Koala Frame bag by NAC. This ensures that all the essentials are on your bike at all times.