How to Fix a Flat on a Mountain Bike

Flat tires are a fact of life in mountain biking. Learn to repair them or take a hike.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bike Pumps
• Bike Tire Repair Kit
• Mountain Bike Tire Inner Tubes
• Mountain Bike Tires
• Mountain Bikes

1. Remove the wheel with the flat from your bike.

2. Pry the tire off the wheel rim with tire irons. Do this by sliding a tire iron under the lip of the tire and levering the tire's edge over the rim.

3. Leaving the first tire iron in place, take a second tire iron and repeat the process a few inches farther down the rim.

4. Slide the edge of the tire off the rim with your fingers or with a third tire iron.

5. Pull the popped tube out from beneath the tire. Patch it or replace it with a new one.

6. Inspect the tire (both inside and out) for sharp objects like glass or thorns. Remove anything you find.

7. Pump some air into the new or repaired tube, then place the tube on the rim beneath the lifted tire. Pass the tube valve through the hole in the rim; be careful not to pinch the tube.

8. Use your fingers to tuck the edge of the tire back beneath the lip of the rim. Again, be careful not to pinch the tube.

9. Pump up the tube (inside the tire) and put the wheel back on your bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice changing flats at home before you hit the trail.

• Bring an extra tube and a patch kit with you on every ride.