Chances are that every cyclist will get a flat tire, so you should practice changing a flat tire before the need arises. That gives cyclists peace of mind and eliminates doubt when the skill is needed on the road. Become familiar and comfortable with the tools used, and carry them with you on each ride.
Step 1
Stabilize the road bike by leaning the bike against something sturdy, having another person hold it or by flipping the bike upside-down and resting it on the seat and handlebars.
Step 2
Remove the wheel by releasing the brake and the quick-release lever, which is near the middle of the wheel. If riding a bike without a quick-release lever, loosen the axle nuts to remove the wheel.
Step 3
Insert a tire lever between the tire and the rim. Pull the tire lever around the rim in a circle. The edge of the tire will pop out of the rim, allowing the tube to be removed.
Step 4
Remove the tube from inside of the tire.
Step 5
Make sure there are no sharp objects impaled in the tire by carefully running your fingers along the inside of the tire. If a sharp object or thorn is found, remove it from the tire. Inspect the outside of the tire, too.
Step 6
Insert the new tube into the tire. Put the tube stem halfway through the stem hole on the rim of the tire. Make sure the tube is not twisted. If the tube is hard to work with, put a little air into the tube, then put it into the tire.
Step 7
Re-insert the tire into the rim by pushing it in with both thumbs. Continue this procedure around the tire until it is resting inside the rim. Resist using a tire lever to help with this, as it could lead to damaging the edge of the tire or the tube.
Step 8
Check for pinching. Make sure the tube is not caught between the tire and the rim. This will cause another flat tire, known as a pinched flat, when inflated.
Step 9
Unscrew the valve on the tube stem if the bike has Presta valves. Bicycles typically have either a Schrader valve or a Presta valve. A Presta valve has a lock nut to close the valve, but a Schrader valve has a spring. Schrader valves are chunkier, and air is released by pressing the inflation chuck straight onto the stem. Most racing and sport bicycles use Presta valves for convenient inflation on the road when a hose is unavailable.
Step 10
Attach the CO2 pump or tire pump to the stem, and lock it into place.
Step 11
Inflate the tire by pumping it up to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) listed on the side of the tire wall or by releasing the CO2 pump lever.
Step 12
Remove the pump, and screw the valve shut.
Step 13
Place the tire back on the bike, and reattach the brake.
Step 14
Lock the quick-release lever or re-tighten the axle nuts, depending on which system the bicycle uses. Spin the tire to make sure it does not rub against the the brakes or rim.
Tips and Warnings
- Take all the necessary items to change a flat tire with you in a saddlebag every time you ride so you do not find yourself stuck without a way to fix a flat.
- Be careful when pulling off the road to change a flat tire. Find a place with plenty of room for automobiles to go around you, and make sure you are visible to drivers and other cyclists.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle tire tube
- Tire levers
- Bicycle pump or CO2 pump and cartridge
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