How To Fix A Flat Bike Tire Quickly (With Pictures)
Are you currently sitting on the side of the road and thinking about how to fix a flat bike tire? Or maybe you just started your ride and realized your bike was punctured. Well, don’t worry—the great news is that fixing a puncture is not actually a big deal.
In this article, we are going to show you how to easily fix and repair a punctured tube and get back on the road in almost no time. We have personally experienced multiple puncture issues during bike roadside testing. We advise all cyclists to learn this basic skill to fix a flat bike tire.
Tools need to fix a flat bike tire:
In order to fix a puncture, you need a puncture repair tool kit that includes two tire levers, a puncture repair patch, an adhesive solution, a wrench, an Allen key, and a mini pump. Personally, we take this portable bicycle repair bag kit, which contains all the basic tools and is easily portable to take anywhere whenever we go out for long rides to fix any maintenance issue.
How to Fix A Flat Bike Tire (Step-by-Step Guide)
For your ease, we provided this step-by-step guide along with easy-to-understand pictures of the complete process to fix a flat bike tire. let’s quickly resolve your punctured tube.
First Step: Remove The Punctured Wheel
The first step in fixing a flat tire is to separate the wheel from the bike and ensure it’s fully deflated. If this is a front wheel with a disc brake through the axle, just unscrew the through axle, take that axle out, and the wheel will come out.
Suppose your bike has a rear wheel with a multi-gear derailleur. In that case, you need to shift the chain into the smallest sprocket at the back, unscrew the side bolts, and gently pull back your rear derailleur to remove the rear wheel. Make sure your cassette is not caught in the chain, or never pull or try to release disc brakes from the tire.
Second Step: Removing the Inner Tube
Push the entire bead of one side of the tire, then put one tire lever deep underneath the bead of one side of the tire, and then insert the second lever around five to 10 cm apart. Now lift both levers to pop out the tire from the edge of the rim. We recommend starting from the opposite side of the valve.
Once you pop out one corner of the tire, slide one lever around the tire to remove the entire side from the rim. Now push the tire to the side using your fingers and grab the inner tube to bring it out. When you reach the valve, unscrew it and push the tire to the side to pull out the valve completely.
Third Step: Check Inside The Tire
The next important part is to inspect the tire to make sure that the object that is the main cause of the puncture is not still in the tire. Put your fingers or a piece of cloth inside the tire and gently slide around the inner surface of the tire to check whether there is any thron, nail, or other object stuck inside that needs to be removed.
Fourth Step: repair the puncture
Pump the inner tube we removed from the tire which will make it easy for you to locate the place of the puncture and save you time in fixing a flat bike tube. You will hear a leaking sound of air from the punctured hole of the tube. Keep your finger on it and follow this step-by-step process to fix a punctured bike tube.
- Mark a circle around the hole if you have any pencil or marker to locate it easily.
- Deflate the tube and fully remove the air.
- Take abrasive paper from the puncture repair kit to scuff up around the punctured hole.
- Apply the vulcanizing solution around the puncture side and give it a minute to dry.
- Take a patch and peel off the foil. Attach the patch over the top of the puncture hole and apply pressure for a minute.
- Carefully remove the protective transparent cover and make sure you are not peeling off the patch.
Also Read: 7 Easy Steps To Tune-up Bike At Home
Fifth Step: insert the tube back
Now, that we have fixed a flat bike tire, we will re-install the inner tube into the tire. Before doing so, put a little bit of air into the inner tube to get it in shape. First, push the valve into the rim hole, and then push the tube into the tire all around.
Sixth Step: Put Tire Bead Back Into The Rim
It’s time to put the tire bead back onto the rim using the palm of your hand or tire lever. A general rule of thumb is to start from the opposite side of the valve and then finish at the valve. At the last stage, you will feel the tire is a bit tight and hard to push into the wheel. Then, firmly push the tire using your thumbs or tire lever to complete the job.
Final Step: Install The Wheel Back on The Frame
Align the wheel with the frame, put your cassette in between the chain, and then pull your derailleur back slightly. Make sure that the bike chain properly sits on the smallest cog. If you have disc brakes then ensure that the rotor aligns correctly with the caliper.
In case your wheel is not going back in smoothly or you feel that the chain is loose. Then, you need to tighten a bike chain just and also make sure that everything is aligned. After confirmation, put the through axle back and tighten it up. Now, all you have to do is pump up the tire to get back on the road.
Professional Tip For Beginners:
It would be better to always take a fresh spare tube with you because replacing the inner tube is much quicker than fixing a roadside puncture. we regularly use slime bike inner tubes for our bicycles. We will not recommend you throw the punctured tube or take it home, but you can fix it easily in your spare time to use it next time.
Conclusion:
Most of us face the common issue of getting punctured during our ride, which is an inconvenience. You can reduce the chances of getting punctured by replacing tires after two to three months or when you see that they start to wear out. We always recommend that our readers, cycling students, bring a bike repair tool kit that can easily attach to your bike frame. Hope this article helps you a lot in finding the solution about how to fix a flat bike tire.
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