Whether bike tires need changing through improper maintenance or after riding on a thorny trail, fixing a flat bicycle tire is straightforward if the essentials of a pump and a fresh inner tube are to hand.
Some cyclists opt to simply carry a small puncture repair kit alongside their pump but this adds additional time to what is really a quick and easy process once practised.
Key Steps to Change a Bicycle Tire
- Turn the bike over onto the saddle.
- Undo the brakes if necessary (v brake mechanisms only – not required for bikes with disc brakes).
- Release the wheel by lifting up the quick release lever on the wheel hub. If the bike does not have a quick release lever, undo with a spanner. NB:Rear wheels require the derailleur to be pulled back before lifting the wheel out.
- Undo the valve and release any remaining air in the tire.
- Put the flat end of a tire lever underneath the tire rim, bend it backwards and slip it under one of the spokes. Put a second lever close to the first and move it slowly along the rim until the tire is free on one side.
- Take out the inner tube.
- Remove the tire completely from the wheel and check the tire for thorns by carefully running your fingers along the inside of the tire wall. Ensure it is smooth and free from anything that could damage the tube.
- Put one side of the tire back on the rim, take a new tube and slightly inflate before placing back under the tire starting at the valve.
- Taking care to avoid any pinch flats, carefully push the other side of the tire back onto the rim. As the tire becomes tighter to push back on, use one tire lever to hold in place and the other to lift the final loose section back onto the tire.
- Pump up the tire and replace the valve.
- If no spare tube is available, fully inflate the punctured tube and hold to the ear to locate any escaping air. Small holes may require the tube to be immersed in water to spot any escaping air bubbles, a task often difficult on the trail.
- Mark the puncture hole, graze the area with sandpaper and apply glue around the hole. Once tacky, press the puncture repair patch firmly onto the tube and leave to dry for a few minutes.
- Replace the wheel and, if using V brakes, ensure that they are done up again.
List of Essential Tools for Trailside Flat Tire Puncture Repairs
- Spare tube and a pump.
- Puncture repair kit
- Mini tool kit and spanner for bikes without quick release wheel levers.
- Tip: Experienced cyclists use folding tires which, whilst more expensive than rigid tires, are much easier to remove, often without the need to use tyre levers.
- Self adhesive patches are a useful alternative to time consuming glue patches.
Tips to Prevent a Flat Bicycle Tire
In hot dusty countries like Cyprus, punctures from thorns can be almost a daily occurrence. Tubes filled with a tire sealant like Slime eliminate the need for constant puncture repairs as small holes are instantly sealed.
Alternatively, invest in a tubeless tire to avoid punctures from pinch flats.
Puncture Tire Repair
With a little practice and the right preparation and tools, fixing a flat tire on the trail or at home can be quick, painless and easy.
You may also be interested in our articles on:
- Essential Bike Maintenance
- How to Fix a Puncture on the Back Wheel of a Bicycle and
- How to Upgrade a Bike for a Better Fit
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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