Though we refer to a deflated bicycle tire as a "flat tire," in reality it is the tube that has been punctured. It is not necessary to replace the entire tire if you have a flat. Instead, you may remove your tube from the wheel and inspect it to find the puncture. Small punctures are easy to repair. A repaired tube can go back on the wheel for more cycling. Though road bikers generally stay on smoother terrain, bits of glass or metal in the street can easily puncture a road biker's tube.
Step 1
Deflate the tube completely by pressing in on the air valve and waiting for the air to completely leave the tube.
Step 2
Remove the tube from the wheel with a tire lever. This tool is very inexpensive, and almost any bike shop will have it in stock.
Step 3
Pump the tube with air until it is substantially overinflated. This will not damage the tube in any way.
Step 4
Listen for the sound of air escaping, and inspect the overinflated tube for any punctures. Once you have found it, deflate the tube again.
Step 5
Rub sandpaper vigorously over the surface of the puncture. This will help the patch to adhere to the tire better.
Step 6
Cover the area around the puncture with a liberal amount of the glue included with your bicycle tire patch kit.
Step 7
Wait approximately five minutes for the glue to dry. This type of glue is different from normal glue and becomes permanently sticky after it dries.
Step 8
Press the patch over the puncture and apply pressure for at least one minute. You may find it helpful to stand on the patch and tube while it adheres.
Step 9
Remove the clear plastic backing from the patch.
Step 10
Over-inflate the tube with air to make sure the patch will hold and that there are no other punctures. If the tire holds air while overinflated, you have repaired your puncture.
Step 11
Deflate the tube and put it back on your wheel with the tire lever.
Step 12
Re-inflate the tube to its normal air capacity.
Tips and Warnings
- Inspect your wheel rim for any sharp edges or bits of foreign matter. If a piece of glass got into your wheel rim, for instance, it will continue to puncture your tire until you remove it. If the puncture is very large or near the air release valve, it may be impossible to repair your tire. Instead, replace the tube completely.
- Do not continue to ride on a tire that has been punctured. This may damage the wheel and end up making the entire tire more difficult and expensive to repair.
Things You'll Need
- Tire lever
- Bike pump
- Sandpaper
- Bicycle tire patch kit
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