Puff me up: How to fix a flat
by: S.F. Heron
Posted on: Sunday, January 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm by: S.F. Heron
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You’re riding along, enjoying the scenery and, suddenly, you hear a distinctive pop! You’ve got a flat tire. Many folks never learn how to repair a flat tire, unfortunately, assuming that it will never happen to them. Wrong! Knowing how to fix a flat tire is a must for any bike enthusiast. If you’re really lucky, your first flat will happen when you’re close to home. If not, don’t panic. This most common of all bike repairs is a relatively easy fix!
Proper tire inflation is the key to reducing the chances of a flat tire. Check your air pressure before your ride. Remember that manufacturers list the specific air pressure requirements on the side of the tire. Inflate your tires to those specifications.
The following instructions to patch or replace a flat tire can be performed either at home or on the road.
Required tools
- Patch kit or spare tube
- Tire levels or flat, dull screwdriver
- Bike pump
- Tire gauge
- Fine sandpaper
- Disconnect the brakes and remove the wheel from the bike. Beginning on the side opposite from the valve, put the scooped edge of the tire lever under the rim and pry a portion of the tire loose. It’s not necessary to remove the whole tire from the rim. Be careful not to damage the tube.
- Pull the tube out and check inside the tire for sharp objects such as rocks or bits of metal.
- If you cannot find the hole, pump air into the tube until it bulges slightly. Run your hand around the tube to feel the air. If you’re at home, dip the tube under water and look for bubbles.
- If the tear in the tube is big, it’s time to replace it. Skip the next few instructions about patching the tube. If the hole is small, clean the area around the hole and rough up the surface of the tube with the fine grit sandpaper. This area should be bigger in size than the patch.
- Some kits require the adhesive to dry completely. Others require the adhesive to partially dry. Follow your specific patch kit instructions.
- Let the air completely out of the tube.
- Place the patch over the hole and apply pressure. Your tube is now repaired!
- Replace enough air into the tube to hold its shape. If you are using a spare tube, do the same. Tuck the tube back into the tire, making sure to align the valve stem at the proper hole on the tire rim.
- Reseat the tire onto the rim using the tire levers. Be careful not to damage the tire or tube as you work your way completely around the tire.
- Pump the tire halfway and examine the seating all the way around the tire.
- If all is okay, then pump the tire to recommended pressure. Make sure to reconnect your brakes.
