How to Boot a Bike Tire

If you get a hole or tear in your bike tire, it exposes the inner tube and makes it a greater risk for a flat. In this case, you can boot the tire which means to temporarily patch the hole until you can replace the tire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Locate where the tire's hole is. You can re-inflate the tube and it will poke out of the hole. You should then deflate the tube so it won't be in the way.

2. Take something made of a sturdy material that won't tear or poke easily. Energy bar or gel wrappers made of hard foil will work, but dollar bills work even better.

3. Remove the tire if you can. This will probably require a tool like a crowbar. This way you can insert the boot from underneath instead of through the hole.

4. Insert the wrapper, bill, or other material into the tire through the hole. It must be placed between the tire's inner lining and the tube, covering the entire hole.

5. Attach the tire back on the frame. Inflate the tube slowly, checking where the hole is. If no bulge appears, it should be safe. If one does, add more material to the boot or try a different material.

6. Ride the bike as carefully as you can to either the shop or a vehicle that can transport it. Stay on smooth surfaces and be extra careful of anything that can puncture the tire.

Tips & Warnings

• Booting a tire is a very temporary measure for emergencies only. You need to replace the tire as soon as possible.

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