Things You'll Need:
- Bicycle tire levers
- Bicycle tire patch kit
- New bicycle tube
- Bicycle pump
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Step 1
Remove the wheel from the bicycle and let any remaining air out of the tire. Pry back the bead with some bicycle tire levers. Locate where the puncture happened by closely examining the flat tire.
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Step 2
Push on the sidewall of the tire back to break the bead. The tire bead is the part of the tire that adheres to the inside of the bicycle rim. Pry one sidewall over the edge of the rim using the tire levers. This will give you access to the bicycle tube inside. Reach in and remove the bicycle tube, being careful not to damage the valve stem.
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Step 3
Feel carefully around the inside of the tire for what caused the puncture. Go slowly so you don't injure yourself on a sharp piece of glass or other object. Remove any pieces of foreign material inside the tire casing.
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Step 4
Pump some air into the removed tire tube to quickly locate the puncture. If you are not able to pump air into your tube, you'll need to replace it with a new one. If it is an extremely small leak, splash some water on the tube and locate where the air is bubbling out.
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Step 5
Dry the tube, mark the location of the hole with a pen or crayon, and patch the hole following the directions that came with the patch kit.
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Step 6
Put the tube back in the tire. Make sure it is not twisted or stretched and verify that the valve is properly placed in the valve hole in the rim. Start by hand at the valve stem, and pry the bead of your tire back over the rim. Use tie leavers to finish the job.
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Step 7
Inflate the tire slightly and check your work. Readjust the tire's bead if necessary, then re-inflate the tire up to the recommended PSI. Listen for air leaks, especially around the patched area. Reinstall the wheel and get back on the trail.
