How to Repair a Road Bike Tire

There are two basic types of road bike tires: the clincher and the tubular. This repair method is only needed for the tubular kind. Within the last five years, most serious road biking companies have switched over to the clincher form; however, the top-of-the-line rims still come with tubular tires. Tubular tires are also commonly known as sew-up tires, because the tub is sewn into the tire itself.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 Tubular tire
• 1 Tube of tube cement

1. Buy a new tubular tire. There is a wide variety of brands that make quality tubular tires, but the most frequently used/bought are Continental or Hutchinson. You can also purchase the tube cement at most bike stores.

2. Put a thin layer of glue all the way around the rim itself. Let it sit overnight to dry.

3. While the glue is drying on the rim, put the new tube on to another rim to stretch it out. If you don’t have another rim, just anchor one end with your foot and stretch it out as far as you can a few times.

4. Apply a thicker layer of glue to the rim (on top of the first application) and let that dry for 10 minutes. While the second layer is drying, apply a thin layer of glue all the way around the inside of the tubular tire.

5. After ten minutes, beginning with the valve stem, work the tubular tire around the rim. This is the hardest part and will require substantial physical force.

6. You are almost done. Blow up the tire to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI).

Tips & Warnings

• On the underside of the tire, there is a layer of tape. If the tape is showing unevenly after inflation, you should adjust the tire with your thumbs to create an even reveal. This will ensure the tire spins correctly.
• Leave the tire on for 12 hours fully inflated before use.

Resources

• History of Bike Tires