How to Fix the Tire Tube on a Schwinn

Sharp glass and other debris lying in the road are often a hazard for bicycle tires. If the tire's inner tube is punctured, the tire will go flat as air escapes the inner tube and the tube looses shape. Rather than disposing of it, you can patch a Schwinn bicycle inner tube and put it back into service. Repairing the inner tube saves the cost of a replacement. You service the inner tube with the wheel removed from the bicycle.

Things You'll Need

• Two bicycle tire levers
• Bicycle tire patch
• Rag
• Rubbing alcohol
• Light colored marker or pen
• Bicycle tire pump

Instructions

Schwinn Inner Tube Removal

1. Use the tip of the tire lever and press the center of the tire valve to free any remaining air from the Schwinn bicycle tire inner tube. Continue pressing the tire valve until you no longer hear the hiss of escaping air and cannot feel it.

2. Fit the tire lever between the tire and the side of the rim. This portion of the tire is called the "bead." Force the tire lever beneath the bead.

3. Hook the other end of the tire lever onto a spoke.

4. Fit a second tire lever beneath the tire bead beside the other lever. Use this lever to pry the bead over the edge of the rim. Work your way around the rim until the bead is free.

5. Set the tire levers aside. Reach inside the tire and remove the Schwinn bicycle tire inner tube. Leave the tire on the rim.

Schwinn Inner Tube Repair

1. Inflate the inner tube partially, using a bicycle pump. Look for a small hole in the inner tube and listen for air escaping. Mark the hole, using a light colored marker if available.

2. Place the fully deflated inner tube on a smooth surface with the puncture face up.

3. Use a rag lightly moistened with rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the puncture. Give the alcohol a couple minutes to dry.

4. Peel away the backing from the tire patch. Handling the patch by its edges only, fit the adhesive side of the patch over the puncture.

5. Use your thumb to push down on the patch to form an effective seal.

Schwinn Inner Tube Installation

1. Insert the tire valve through the valve hole in the Schwinn bicycle rim. Gradually, working around the tire, push the remainder of the inner tube back into the tire.

2. Hold the wheel against your lap. Using your thumbs, and beginning at the tire valve, push the tire bead back onto the rim. Rotate the tire as needed.

3. Inspect the tire bead to make sure it's in place and that there is no inner tube showing between the tire and the rim. If necessary, use your finger to push any exposed inner tube back inside the tire.

4. Look for the recommended tire pressure, printed on the side of the tire. Inflate the Schwinn bicycle tire to the recommended pressure.

References

• SheldonBrown: Bicycle Glossary
• ParkTool: Inner Tube Repair
• "Bicycle Maintenance & Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes;" 2005; Todd Downs