Whether it is due to wear and age or hitting a sharp object, every bike tire will develop a leak or go flat at some point. Leaks are caused by punctures, pinches and traumatic force. Regardless of the type of leak or flat you have, repairing or replacing the tire and/or the inner tube is necessary. Patching the leak is a viable option for both inner tubes and tubeless tire types.
Types of Tires
As a cyclist, you can choose between tires with tubes or tubeless tires. The traditional, pneumatic tire has an inner tube that is inflated. Tubeless tires are similar to car tires; just the tire itself is filled with air. Each type has its pros and cons, although tubeless tires can help reduce the incidence of pinch flats. Tubeless tires use a sealant, meaning in case of a puncture your tire can potentially repair itself while you ride. However, tubeless tires are more difficult to repair and change than tires with tubes.
Leak Causes
Riding your bike over varying terrain provides plenty of opportunity for your tires to encounter damaging objects. Riding over thorns or glass can puncture your tire and the inner tube. Pinch cuts happen by riding over stones, curbs or sharp edges of potholes in the road. When your tire hits a sharp edge hard enough, it will compress. The inner tube is pinched between the rock and the rim, creating holes in the tube. If your tube does not immediately burst or blow out, a slow leak can occur. You can ride the bike, but the tire will need to be pumped up more often than normal.
Patching Inner Tubes
If you have a small puncture in your inner tube and are able to locate it, you can fix your leak with a patch kit rather than buying a new tube. Patch kits -- which include a patch, glue and sandpaper or a metal scraper -- are readily available at bike shops and online. You will also need tire levers to remove the tire from the rim and a tire pump. Thoroughly check your tire for the cause of the puncture -- and remove it -- before repairing the tube. Follow the patch kit instructions and give the glue ample time to dry before pumping up the tire.
Patching Tubeless Tires
If you have a tubeless tire and you see sealant leaking out or an area with sand and gravel stuck to it, you probably have a puncture in your tire. Tire patch kits are available to repair your tire, giving you time to keep riding before you need to buy a new tire. Unlike inner tubes, you will not need to sandpaper or scrape your tire before applying the patch, as this can damage the rubber. You will need to drain your tire of the inner sealant and allow the puncture area to dry thoroughly -- a hair dryer or sunlight can speed the process. Glue the patch on and consider riding with a tube for a short time to give the patch time to seal properly.
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