How to Patch a Bike Tube

A bike tube tire repair will cost around $15 at a bike shop. However you don't need to change the bike tube every time you get a flat! You can patch your bike tube and reuse it. A pack of 6 bike tube patches is about $3. It takes just ten minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike Tube Patch Kit

1. Find the leak in the bike tube tire. Pump up the tube and notice where the air is hissing out. Mark it with chalk or masking tape.

2. To help the patch stick, sand the tube on the spot. Sand in both directions to create a crossgrain.

3. Put rubber cement in a circle or square around the hole. Wait til it's a little dry (a few seconds) and put the patch on. Note: most patch kits come with glue; however if you don't have it any more or it has gone dry, rubber cement will suffice.

4. Press down and hold for two minutes.

5. Wait a few minutes before replacing the tube in the tire and inflating.

Tips & Warnings

• You can patch a bike tube as many times as you like. The only time you need to change the bike tube tire is when the puncture is a gash.
• On a long trip it's a good idea to bring a patch kit in case you get a flat tire.
• After you sand you can blow the dust off but don't use your fingers to wipe it. This leaves oils that are slippery.

[rakhib]

on 11/21/2009 gr8 post...5* and a recc