Road bikes are meant for high-speed, ultra-efficient riding on smooth surfaces over long distances. Their tires are typically very narrow and inflated to high pressures, allowing them to roll with minimal resistance. If your road bike tire gets punctured or goes flat, it can cause serious accidents and injuries. All road riders should know how to repair their road bike tires correctly so they can get back on the road.
Step 1
Deflate the tire completely by pressing against the inner stem on your tire's air valve using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 2
Use a tire lever to pry the road bike tire up and away from the rim. Work your way around the rim, removing the tire from the rim as you go.
Step 3
Check the tire and tube for any punctures, cracks or splits that may have let air out. If your tire or tube is punctured or split, replace it with the correct size for your road bike.
Step 4
Clean the rim of any debris and foreign objects that may have gotten stuck along the rim's edge with a damp cloth.
Step 5
Wipe the tire and the tube with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may damage their seal.
Step 6
Put the tube back on the rim and inflate to about 60 percent of maximum.
Step 7
Work the road bike tire back onto the rim, over the tube. Use the tire levers to guide the tire over the rim's edge and back into place.
Step 8
Inflate the road bike tube to the recommended air pressure using a bicycle pump.
Tips and Warnings
- Always carry a bike pump that works with your road bike tire in case you need air in a pinch. Combine the pump with a patch kit to make temporary fixes on the road.
- Always replace a road bike tire that is punctured or torn. Road bike tires are very smooth, and a simple puncture can cause significant damage if the tire is ridden on.
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tire lever
- Damp cloth
- Bicycle pump
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