How To Fix A Flat Bike Tire Guide

Sooner or later, you'll ride over some glass or perhaps hit a rut or hole and get a flat tire. When this happens, don't panic! As long as you carry a few basic tools (which we can help you with), flat repair is easy—even fun! Here's how it's done. Note that these instructions are for standard tires and tubes, and tubeless setups, and for road and mountain bicycles, too.
 
First, you'll need (photo) a pump (one that's right for your valve type and that's carried on your bike or in a pack), a spare tube (to replace the popped one) and tire levers (for removing the tire). Carry the tire levers and spare tube in a seat bag or your hydration pack. Most pumps can be frame mounted for carrying or you can tuck it in your pack if you carry one, too. 
 
When you get a flat there are usually six easy steps to follow to fix it.
 
1. Open the brake (you skip this step if your bike has disc brakes because it's unnecessary).
2. Remove the wheel.
3. Remove the tire and tube.
4. Inspect the tire and remove whatever caused the flat (if it's still there).
5. Install the tube (spare) and tire.
6. Inflate and seat the tire and reinstall the wheel.
 
Here are complete instructions for each of these simple steps. Note that, while we've tried hard to answer every possible question you could have about flat tire repair, you only need to read as much as you want. And, be sure to click on the many underlined links and the photos for larger photos and additional helpful tips.  
 
1. Open the brake: As soon as you get that "sinking" feeling or hear the hiss of escaping air, let your ride partners know you have a flat (so they won't disappear over the horizon) and stop in a safe spot. If it's a rear flat, shift onto the smallest rear cog. The first step in wheel removal (except for bikes with disc brakes) is opening the brake, which makes it easier to get the wheel out (photo: click to enlarge).
 
Open sidepull brakes by fully rotating the little lever on the brake upwards (a). Open linear-pulls (also called "direct-pulls" or "V-brakes") by lifting the end of the "noodle" out of its holder (b). Some sidepulls are opened by pressing a button on the lever. Look for this if there's no lever on the brake. Open cantilever brakes (these feature a cable that runs over the top of the tire) by lifting the cable end on one side out of its holder.

Tips

• Be safe! Work off the road/trail so a semi doesn't flatten you!
• While it's possible to get the wheel with the flat out without opening the brake, it won't be so easy reinstalling the wheel when it's fully inflated. That's why we recommend opening the brake first.
• If you have disc brakes, there's nothing to open. The wheel will come right out of the brake with no muss, no fuss. Cool. The only thing to watch out for is to never squeeze the disc-brake lever when the wheel is out of the frame because that will close the brake pads and you'll need to then spread them.

Additional Disc Brake Precautions

• Watch the Heat: Be cautious of the rotor when opening the quick-release mechanism. It can get extremely hot and may burn you if touched.
• Avoid Contamination: Keep oil and other contaminants away from your disc brakes. Contamination can reduce braking performance and lead to unsafe riding conditions.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and safe process whenever you need to remove or reinstall your bike wheels, especially those equipped with disc brakes.

What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire in an Unsafe Location

Finding yourself with a flat tire in a precarious spot can be unnerving. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your safety and get you back on track:

1. Prioritize Your Safety:

   • Immediately assess your surroundings. If you find yourself in a busy road or any dangerous location, your first action should be to move away from the threat.
   • Walk your bike to a secure area, such as a sidewalk or a less crowded spot, before attending to the flat.

2. Practice Makes Perfect:

   • Before this scenario even arises, consider practicing how to fix a flat tire in a safe environment. Regular practice at home can help you become more confident and efficient when the unexpected occurs.

3. Carry Essential Tools:

   • Always keep a basic repair kit with you. This should include a spare inner tube, tire levers, a pump, and any tools needed to remove your wheel.
   • Brands like Park Tool and Topeak offer compact and versatile kits suitable for on-the-go repairs.

4. Find Safe Assistance:

   • If you're unable to fix the tire yourself, consider asking passersby for assistance or contacting roadside help services. Ensure you stay in a visible and safe spot while waiting.

Following these steps can help you handle a flat tire efficiently, ensuring your safety and minimizing your time spent in an unsafe situation.

2. Remove the Wheel

Open the quick-release (or loosen the axle nuts) on the wheel with the flat and lift the bike to remove the wheel. To extract rear wheels, it helps to pull the derailleur back slightly to clear the axle parts as the wheel passes through. For fronts, you'll probably need to hold one side of the quick release and turn the other counterclockwise to create clearance to get past the wheel-retention ("safety") tabs on the fork.

Removing the Rear Wheel

1. Shift the Chain: Move the chain onto the smallest cog of the rear cassette to release tension and make wheel removal easier.

2. Release Brakes: If you have rim brakes, open them to prevent the tire from getting stuck. For disc brakes, this step isn't necessary, but be careful not to touch the rotor as it can be hot and easily contaminated.

3. Open Quick-Release: Pull open the quick-release lever and spin it to loosen. If necessary, unscrew the nut on the opposite side to free the wheel.

4. Handle the Derailleur: Push the rear derailleur back so that the chain lifts away from the cog.

5. Remove the Wheel: With your other hand, take the wheel out from the dropouts on the bike frame.

Removing the Front Wheel

1. Line Up the Axle: Position the axle of the front wheel with the dropouts in the fork and lower it into place.

2. Tighten the Nut: Hold the quick-release lever while you tighten the nut. Ensure it's snug enough to prevent the lever from touching the frame.

3. Reconnect Brakes: If necessary, reconnect your brakes and confirm they're functioning properly.

Tips

• Never force the wheel out! If it's stuck, determine what's holding it in place and free it.
• When the wheel is out of the frame, lay the bike on its left side, or have a friend hold it, so you don't damage the derailleur or get dirt in the drivetrain.
• Resist the temptation to turn the bike upside-down as this can damage certain brake/shift levers (if dirt were to get inside), your cyclo-computer (scratches), and it increases the likelihood of the bike falling and getting damaged especially if traffic is passing.
• If your bike has disc brakes, avoid touching the rotor and keep it clean from oil or contaminants.

By following these steps, you'll ensure a smooth and safe wheel removal process, whether you're dealing with the front or rear wheel.

3. Remove the tire and tube: Remove the valve cap and nut (sometimes found on Presta valves: inset photo: click to enlarge). For Presta valves, unscrew the tip and press down to let all the air out. For Schraders, poke the end of the tire lever into the valve to release all the air. Starting directly opposite the valve, wiggle a tire lever beneath the tire's edge and pry down to lift. If possible, hook the lever on a spoke (many levers are made to do this), or hold it in place. Place another lever about 4 inches away from the first and pry here (main photo: click to enlarge). Continue with your third lever until you can get one side of the tire off. Then reach inside and fully extract the tube. Pull the other side of the tire off the same side of the wheel or pry it off with the levers.

Tips

• If you have trouble getting the tire off, make sure all the air is out of it. Even a little air can make the tire a lot tighter.
• Some cyclists prefer to remove only one side of the tire to ease reinstallation. The disadvantage is that it's harder to check inside the tire to find whatever popped the tube and also to check inside the rim to see if the rim strip is still covering all the sharp spoke holes (sometimes it gets shifted out of place over time).

4. Inspect the tire: It's important to find whatever caused the flat and remove it. If you don't, the culprit might still be in the tire where it'll just pop your new tube! To find it, remove your glove (or use a rag), and run it around inside the tire in both directions (photo: click to enlarge). If something sharp is still stuck in your tire, it'll snag the glove. Remove the nasty. If you can't find anything, it's likely it got knocked out during the disassembly procedure.

Tips

• Be sure to check inside the rim, too. The rim strip covering the sharp spoke holes (and sometimes the spoke nipples), can move, which allows the tube to be cut. Make sure that the rim strip covers completely.
• As long as the hole in the tire is about 1/4-inch long or less, you'll be okay reusing the tire.
• If the tire has a large gash in it, you'll need to patch it somehow before reinstallation. Paper money works great. Simply place it over the hole as you install the tire and tube. It'll reinforce the tire at the hole and get you home (you can also buy or make and carry tire patches out of rubber or stout cloth like denim, canvas or nylon; cyclists call these simple tire patches "tire boots"). If there's a big hole in a tire, the boot will work for a while but you should replace the tire ASAP.

How to Temporarily Fix a Tear in the Tire Sidewall

When you’re out on the road and notice a tear in your tire's sidewall, a quick fix can save the day. Here's a simple method to get you back on the move until a permanent repair can be made.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Your Materials: Look for something sturdy yet flexible, such as a folded-up dollar bill or an empty energy gel packet—anything that can act as a makeshift barrier.

2. Position the Patch: Carefully place your makeshift barrier between the inner tube and the tire so that it completely covers the tear. This prevents the tube from protruding through the gap.

3. Use an Adhesive: If you have shoe glue or a similar adhesive on hand, apply it for added security. This helps keep the makeshift patch in place, offering more stability.

Quick Tips

• Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye on the patch job every few miles to ensure it’s holding up.
• Plan for a Permanent Fix: Once you're home or near a bike shop, replace the damaged tire to ensure your safety.

This fix is a temporary measure and should only be used to get you to a safer location where a permanent repair can be made.

When to Replace Your Bike Tube Instead of Repairing It

Knowing when to swap out your bike tube is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency on your ride. Here are key situations to consider a full replacement rather than a repair:

• Extensive Damage: If the tube has multiple punctures or large tears, patching might not be effective. A new tube ensures reliability.

• Patch Failures: Sometimes, previous patches can fail, leading to more leaks. If you find your patch jobs breaking down, it's time to replace the tube.

• Valve Issues: A damaged valve is a definite reason to replace the tube. Faulty valves can't be patched and could lead to air leaks during rides.

• Time-Sensitive Situations: When you're biking and need a quick fix, swapping out the old tube for a new one is the fastest way to get back on track.

Opting for a new tube in these scenarios not only saves you time but also prevents unexpected breakdowns.

5. Install the tube & tire: 4 Easy Steps

1) Inflate the new tube just enough to round it out and remove any wrinkles, and place it inside the tire. Then, stand the wheel up (rest it against your shins if needed) so that the valve hole is on top, and hold the tire/tube over the wheel so that the valve is on top (photo: click to enlarge).

2) Place the valve partway into the hole and simultaneously push the top section of the tire edge (called the "bead") that's at the valve and closest to your legs onto the rim. Then, with both hands moving downward away from the valve using the ground to push against, finish working the bottom tire bead (the one closest to your legs) onto the wheel all the way around the wheel (photo: click to enlarge).
 
  3) With one bead in place, tuck the tube fully inside the tire and on top of the rim, which will cause the other bead to rest flush against the rim. Work this bead on starting at the valve as you did with the first. To get the bead started, you may have to push the valve into the tire to provide clearance for the bead (photo). Once you've got the bead started, work your hands away from the valve pressing the bead onto the rim around the wheel as you did in step 2 above.

4) With a few inches of bead left to pop onto the rim, the tire will resist. Let all the air out. Crouch and rest the wheel on your knee to have something to push against. Now, hold the bead in place with one hand (we're using our left hand in the photo: click to enlarge) and with your stronger hand, push down to roll the stubborn section onto the rim with the heel of your hand. But don't try to pop it on all at once. Install an inch at a time, moving your hand along until you've fully installed the tire. If it resists, be sure all the air is out of the tire. Got it? Good job!

Tips

• Make sure that your spare tube's valve is the right type for your wheel.
• Tubes that are slightly narrower than the tire fit fine and are easiest to install (for example: use a 700 x 20c tube in a 25c tire and a 1.5-inch tube in a 1.9-inch tire).
• A trick to create slack and ease tire installation is to go around the rim squeezing the tire beads into the rim's center (the deepest portion), which increases the slack between the tire and wheel.
• During tire installation, if you locate the tire label at the valve, you'll have a reference point when searching the tire for what popped the tube when you get a flat.

6. Inflate and seat the tire and reinstall the wheel: Place your pump on the valve and inflate the tire. To prevent valve damage, brace the valve by wrapping a finger behind a spoke and your thumb over the tire (photo: click to enlarge) so you're pushing against your hand, not the valve. And hold the pump steady, don't wiggle it around as you pump. Inflate the tire until it's just firm (not fully inflated). At this point, inspect the tire to make sure it's "seated," which means that it's sitting correctly on the wheel.

If the tube gets trapped beneath a bead (photo, below, left: click to enlarge), inflating further may blow the tire and tube off the rim! There are bead lines on the sides of the tire that should be equidistant from the rim all the way around on both sides of the wheel. If they're not, or if you see a section of tube peeking out from under the tire (photo), let the air out, poke the tube gently back into place with your tire lever (don't even think of using a screwdriver, which will pop the tube), reinflate partway and check the tire again.
 
When it's seated correctly, inflate the tire fully. Install the valve nut (if your tube uses one) and cap finger tight (overtightening the valve nut can damage the tube and make it difficult to loosen it when you need to fix a flat). Reinstall the wheel in the frame, close the brake quick release or reattach the noodle or cable and you're ready to ride!

Tips

• Not all portable pumps have the power to fully inflate all tires. But that's okay. You only need enough air to make the tire firm enough to ride on. If you can't get it hard enough to finish your ride, find a bike shop or head home to fix it properly.
• The first time you fix a flat, it may take 30 minutes to an hour. But, with practice, you'll get much faster. Experienced cyclists can easily repair one in 10 minutes. 

• If you ride regularly and haven't fixed a flat yet, practice at home to build your confidence.

• To get over any fears of fixing a flat bike tire, practice several times in a comfortable setting until it becomes routine. The more you practice, the less daunting the task will seem when you're out on a ride. Familiarity breeds confidence, and knowing you can handle a flat tire quickly and efficiently will make your cycling adventures much more enjoyable.

• By mastering this essential skill at home, you ensure that a flat tire won't derail your plans or leave you stranded. So, grab your tools and spare tubes, and start practicing today!

How to Reattach Your Bike's Front Wheel

Getting your bike back in working order often begins with reattaching that front wheel. Here's a straightforward guide to help you do just that.

1. Position the Axle Properly
   Start by aligning the axle of the front wheel with the fork's dropouts. Gently lower the wheel, ensuring the axle is securely settled into the dropouts. This step is essential for stability and safety.

2. Secure the Quick-Release Mechanism
   Hold the quick-release lever steady while you tighten the accompanying nut on the opposite side. It should feel snug, but not too tight; the lever should close with some resistance. Ensure the lever tucks neatly into place, away from the bike's frame. Adjust the nut if the lever closes too easily or if it touches the frame.

3. Reconnect and Test the Brakes
   If you've previously detached the brakes, it's time to reconnect them. Make sure they’re functioning correctly by squeezing the brake lever a few times. This ensures your ride remains safe.

By following these steps, you'll have your front wheel back on in no time. Happy cycling!

How to Repair a Damaged Bike Tube with a Patch Kit

Repairing a bike tube on the go is simple with a quality patch kit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix a puncture and get back on the road:

1. Identify the Problem Area
   First, locate where the tube is damaged. This might require inflating the tube slightly to listen for escaping air or feeling for leaks.

2. Prepare the Surface
   Once you've pinpointed the puncture, clean and dry the area thoroughly. Any dirt or moisture can hinder the patching process.

3. Roughen the Surface
   Use the included sandpaper or emery cloth to gently roughen the surface around the puncture. This step is crucial as it helps the adhesive bond securely to the rubber.

4. Apply Adhesive
   Spread a thin layer of vulcanizing fluid evenly over the roughened area. Let the adhesive sit for a moment until it feels tacky to the touch. The curing time may vary, so refer to the kit instructions for specifics.

5. Attach the Patch
   Firmly press the rubber patch onto the tacky area, ensuring it covers the puncture completely. Apply consistent pressure to ensure a solid seal, and hold the patch in place for the recommended time.

6. Final Check
   Allow the adhesive to fully cure, if necessary, according to the patch kit instructions. Reinflate the tube and check to make sure the seal holds and air isn't escaping from the repair.

With these steps, you can effectively repair your bike tube, saving time and extending the life of your tire. Keep a patch kit handy for your rides, and you’ll be prepared for unexpected flats.

From the best pumps, to spare tubes, patch kits and flat-resistant tires and tubes, we have everything you need to ensure that you have a minimum of flat tires and an easy time fixing flats, too. We can also show you how to fix a flat. Just ask if you need any help at all. Thanks!

Thanks to Park Bike Tools for this great video!