Empower Yourself to Repair a Flat
How to Fix a Flat Bicycle Tire
Changing a flat bicycle tire is a handy and much needed skill to have, and it's pretty straightforward once you've done it a couple of times. It can take as little as 5 minutes once you get the hang of it! The same principles generally apply to most road, mountain, gravel, and tri bikes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:
What You’ll Need:
Tire levers (2 is ideal, but some tires and wheels may only require 1)
A new inner tube (or patch kit if you're repairing)
A pump (with the correct valve type: Presta or Schrader)
Optional: Wrench (if your bike doesn't have quick-release wheels); (CO2 cartridge and adapter if you’re on the road or trail and need a quick inflate to get you home)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Remove the Wheel
Shift your chain to the smallest gear (rear) or smallest chainring (front) to make reassembly easier.
If you have a quick-release lever, open it and loosen the wheel.
If not, use a wrench to loosen or remove the nuts or thru-axle.
2. Let Out Any Remaining Air
Open and press down the valve to deflate the tire completely if it's not already flat.
3. Remove the Tire
Insert a tire lever between the tire and the rim and pry the tire off (starting close to the valve can make this easier).
Hook the lever to a spoke, then insert the second lever a few inches away and work your way around until one side of the tire is off. (If the tire is loose enough on the wheel, you may not need to hook it and could just slide the lever around the wheel until the tire is fully unseated on one side.)
4. Remove the Inner Tube
Pull the inner tube out, starting from the side opposite the valve.
Carefully remove the valve stem from the rim. (Gently pull the tire away from the rim if you need a larger gap to pull the valve stem through and out of the wheel and tire.)
5. Check the Tire and Rim
Carefully inspect the inside and outside of the tire for thorns, glass, or sharp objects.
Run your fingers along the inside (gently!) to feel for anything that may have caused the flat.
Check the rim strip too (the tape inside the rim that covers spoke holes).
6. Install the New or Repaired Tube
Inflate the new tube very slightly so it holds its shape (helps prevent pinching).
Insert the valve into the rim first, then work the tube into the tire all the way around.
7. Put the Tire Back On
Starting opposite the valve, push the tire bead back onto the rim.
Use your thumbs to work it in; avoid using tire levers for this part (they can pinch the tube).
Finish at the valve side, making sure the tube isn't pinched.
8. Inflate the Tire
Slowly pump up the tire, checking to make sure the bead is seated evenly all the way around.
Inflate to the recommended pressure (printed on the tire sidewall).
9. Reinstall the Wheel
Put the wheel back on the bike, making sure it's centered in the frame.
Tighten the quick-release lever or axle securely.
10. Test It
Spin the wheel to make sure it spins freely and doesn't rub the brakes.
Give the brakes a few test squeezes before riding off.
Want a visual guide? Here are a few simple videos to help:
Remove & Intall a Bicycle Tire & Tube
Pro Tip
1. If the tire bead is seating unevenly, you can sprinkle some soapy water along the bead to allow the tire to slide more easily into place against the rim when you inflate it.
2. Some riders prefer tubeless tires, which are special tires paired with wheels that do not require innertubes, but rather use sealant inside the tire to keep things inflated and prevent flats. If a puncture occurs to a tubeless tire setup, you can use a patch kit or tire plug to repair and ride away quickly!
3. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact us at Evolve Cycle!
Ride on with Evolve Cycle!
-Joey