How To Repair A Bicycle Tire

Fewer activities offer more enjoyable cardiovascular exercise than long bicycle treks on designated trails or scenic country roads. But long rides in remote locations require the proper knowledge and tools to fix flat tires. A flat in the middle of a rustic bike trail several miles from a repair shop means a cyclist must fix the damaged inner tube or endure a long walk back while pushing a damaged bicycle. Though a bit challenging the first time, fixing flats on bicycle inner tubes is easier than many people think.

Step 1

Remove the entire affected wheel from the bike. For bicycles with quick-release levers located in the center of the wheel hubs, simply open the release lever by flipping it out and away from the bike, then pull the hub stem out of the wheel assembly and remove the tire.

For bikes with hub nuts rather than release levers, straddle the affected wheel and hold the nut on one side of the bike securely with one wrench. Use the other wrench to loosen the nut on the other side. Then pull the wheel from the bike.

Step 2

Remove the small plastic cap from the tire's valve stem and deflate the tire completely by pressing a fingernail on the side of the tiny metal rod located just inside of the stem; press the other hand along the tire to force out the air.

Step 3

Separate the tire from the wheel rim by wedging one of the plastic tire levers between the rim and rubber starting near the valve stem. Once the lever is under the rubber, slowly manipulate it around the inside of the tire, and then fit the other lever under the rubber several inches behind the first. Maneuver both levers around the entire rim until the tire comes loose.

Step 4

Remove the inner tube from the wheel rim and inspect for holes. Affix the portable pump to the valve stem and pump a bit of air into the tube. Squeeze the tube around and along the edges and feel for air leaks. Place a finger on the leaking area to mark where the patch goes.

Step 5

Follow the patching directions with your inner tube patch kit to cement a section of rubber over the damaged area. Most patch kits contain rubber cement, small sections of rubber sheeting from which patches can be cut and a rough, raspy pad to rough up the rubber surface of the inner tube before affixing the patch. Roughing it up helps the patch stick more effectively.

Step 6

Allow the cemented patch to dry for the amount of time designated in the patch directions. Then reverse these steps to replace the tube and re-affix the tire and wheel assembly.

Tips and Warnings

Some holes or blowouts are too large to effectively patch. In these cases, install a whole new inner tube of the proper size for the tire and wheel rim. Keep all of the patching tools and materials and an extra tube in a small bike bag attached to the handlebars or rear of the bike. Such kits are particularly important for treks of five miles or more.
Never ride a bike on a flat tire, as this causes extensive damage to wheel rims. What can begin as a cheap patch job can turn into a major pro-shop overhaul of the entire wheel and spoke assembly if cyclists fail to fix flats quickly.

Things You'll Need

Two socket or adjustable wrenches sized for the bicycle hub nuts (for bikes without quick-release levers)
Bicycle inner tube patch kit with two plastic tire levers
Small bike bag to carry the tools and materials