Knowledge and practice of basic bicycle maintenance and repair are necessary to ensure your bicycle will always perform efficiently and safely. You should habitually inspect your bicycle and equipment before each ride and carry essential items with you for on the go repairs. Many incidents occur while cycling and you must be prepared to fix them. One of the most common occurrences that plague cyclists are flat tires.
Fixing a Rear Flat Tire
Step 1
Shift your gear so your chain is on the smallest rear cog. Release your brakes and open the quick-release lever on the rear axle. Loosen the quick-release and gently pull the derailleur back to remove your wheel from the drop-outs.
Step 2
Use one tire lever to pry the edge of the tire over the rim. Insert a second lever a few inches away from the first and slide it around the rim to unseat the tire. Pull the valve stem of the tube through the rim and remove the rest of the tube.
Step 3
Inspect the inside and outside of your tire for a possible cause of the flat. Remove any objects you find from the tire.
Step 4
Blow air gently into the tube or use your pump to partially inflate it. Place the valve stem into the rim and guide the tube around the wheel between the tire and rim.
Step 5
Position your hands on each side of the valve stem. Reseat the tire using both hands to work in opposite directions around the wheel. Once reseated, use your fingers to squeeze and wiggle the tire back and forth between the edges of the rim to ensure the tube is in the correct position.
Step 6
Place the pump onto the valve and inflate the tube to the proper pressure. If your pump is not equipped with a pressure gauge, "use your thumb as a guide. If your thumb presses in easily, keep pumping," advises outdoors shop REI. Make sure the valve remains straight and the tire remains seated on the rim.
Step 7
Guide the chain onto the smallest cog of the rear cassette and pull the derailleur back. Place the wheel into the dropouts and tighten the quick-release. Reconnect your brakes.
Tips and Warnings
- If you find it difficult or awkward to fix the rear flat with your bike upright, flip it over so the seat and handlebars act as a stand. Carry a patch kit in your saddle bag, backpack or pockets in the event of multiple flats. Change the patched tube with a new one as soon as you can.
- Incorrectly installation or repair of your wheel can result in equipment malfunction and injury. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of the repair, visit a local bicycle shop for a hands-on tutorial.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tire levers
- Tube
- Pump
Member Comments