How to Fix a Flat Road Bike Tire

Find a safe and comfortable spot to perform the work.

Flat road-bike tires can be repaired in the field with a puncture repair kit and a little patience. You can identify a flat tire without looking, by a change in handling characteristics — the bike will swerve when turning. Fixing a flat road-bike tire involves finding a safe spot to perform the work; getting the wheel and tire off the bike; identifying the hole; repairing the hole; and then putting it all back together again.

Things You'll Need

• Tire irons
• Sandpaper
• Vulcanizing solution
• Patches
• Pump

Instructions

1. Find a safe and comfortable spot to perform the work. Look for shade out of the traffic stream -- a bench is good. Turn the bike over and rest it on its handlebars and seats. If you have gear such lights or a GPS, remove them first.

2. Remove the wheel. Hold the quick release arm and unscrew the nut on the other side with your fingers. Empty the tire of air. Depending on the type of valve you have, unscrew the valve or press in the center pin with an object. Push the edges of the tire to the center of the rim. This will make it easier to get the tire off. Leverage the tire off the rim with two tire irons. The tire should pop off the rim. Remove the inner tube.

3. Pump the inner tube with air and holding the tube to your ear, identify the hole by listening for the hissing sound of air. Release all the air.

4. Roughen the area where the hole is with sandpaper. This will make a key. Add a thin layer of vulcanizing solution to the area and allow it to dry for 10 minutes. This is where the bench comes in.

5. Run your fingers through the inside of the tire to identify any remnants that caused the puncture. Remove anything you find.

6. Peel off a patch and place it over the hole. The bond will occur instantly. Replace the inner tube, replace the tire and pump it.

References

• Pro Patch Bicycle Accessories: Patch Kit Instructions