How to Fix a Punctured Bicycle Tire

Punctured tires seem to be an inevitable part of bicycling. Experienced cyclists make a habit of carrying the necessary repair materials on their bike at all times. With a little preparation you'll never need to worry about being stranded. Want even more safety and peace of mind on the road? Practice this repair at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement Inner Tube
• Tire Pump
• Set Of Three Tire Tools (tire Irons)
• Tire patch kit (rubber patches, glue, sandpaper)

1. Remove the wheel from the bicycle and the tire and inner tube from the rim, following the steps in How to Change a Bicycle Tire, "Removing the old tire."

2. Inspect the inner tube for holes by inflating it with a bicycle-tire pump until you can hear air escaping. Many holes are not visible until the tube is highly pressurized.

3. 

   Locate the hole. Hold the tube close to your cheek and feel for escaping air if necessary (see A). Lightly rough up the area around the hole with sandpaper.

4. Apply glue both to the tube and a rubber patch. Wait for the glue to become tacky before applying the patch.

5. 

   Firmly press the patch onto the hole (see B) and allow it to dry for several minutes.

6. Check the tire to fine the source of the puncture by running your fingers around the inside of the tire. Be careful, sharp objects may be imbedded in the tire. Visually inspect the outside of the tire for rips, tears or sharp objects. Be sure to remove the offending object so you don't get another flat!

7. Reinstall the tire, inner tube and wheel according to the steps in How to Change a Bicycle Tire, "Installing the new tire."

8. Replace the patched tube with a new inner tube as soon as possible.

9. If you plan on riding a lot, carry a pump and a patch kit, and even replacement inner tubes, on your bicycle at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two types of valves used on bicycle inner tubes: Schrader valves and Presta valves. Schrader valves are identical to the type used on car tires and can be inflated at most gas stations. Presta valves are smaller and lighter and require a special pump.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 8/8/2006 Once you have found the hole, look inside the tire for the thorn, wire, staple, thumbtack, nail, piece of glass (or whatever caused the hole and remove it so you don't get another flat. You may have to feel around with your fingers (gingerly) and use a pair of tweezers to get the thorn out. In case of a larger item (such as the 3-inch nail that once pierced both sides of my tire) you may need to patch the inside of the tire as well as the tube.

on 7/11/2006 After roughing up the area around the hole with sand paper, clean the area with some isopropyl alcohol (99.9%) and a cloth or paper towel. Then let it dry before applying glue. This helps to ensure that the glue sets well and the patch doesn't flake off.

on 6/30/2006 If you happened to have a large nail or other object puncture your tire, you can not really patch/repair the tire itself that easily. The tube, yes. But the tire, not really. At least not with a regular patch. The tire is what holds all the pressure (not the tube, even though it holds the air). If you run a low pressure, you might be able to get away with patching your tire. But if you jump or run high pressure I recommend that you just purchase a new tire.

Also, when patching tubes, I find that the rubber cement used to attach patches gets sticker if you light it on fire for a few seconds (and then blow it out). Not sure if this creates a stronger bond or not, but it definitely becomes a lot tackier a lot quicker.

on 11/22/2005 It is easier to locate holes if you submerge the tube in water. Fill a wash basin with water, so that all or part of the tube can be submerged. Pump the air into the tube and hold it underwater. Watch for bubbles. Mark around the hole with chalk. Before applying the patch, let the tube dry or wipe it dry with a cloth or paper.