Nothing will ruin a ride faster than a flat tire, but repairing a puncture will be a breeze with a little elbow grease and a few readily available tools.
Steps
Step 1. Find the cause and size of the hole
If the rubber has burst, or if it has a large hole, it will need to be replaced. If you were walking down a path full of thorns, you may have dozens of punctures but if the small hole in a single nail caused the problem, often the inner tube can be repaired on the spot.
Step 2. Turn the bike over so that it rests on the saddle and handlebars
Make sure it is not resting on the brake or shifter levers. You may need a wooden support to keep them from touching the ground.
Step 3. Slowly spin the wheel
Look at the surface of the wheel for something that could be a nail, a screw, a piece of wire, and anything else.
Step 4. Let the wheel completely deflate
Press down on the valve to let any remaining air out.
Step 5. Detach the tire from the rim
Use the special levers to remove the tire from the rim. Insert one between the rim and the tire and press it in order to lift the tire; at this point insert the second lever and make it cover the circumference of the rim to detach the tire from the rim. If you don't have levers, you can use a screwdriver like this: push a screwdriver between the tire and the rim, and push the edge of the tire out of the rim. You will need to detach the tire about 4-5cm before it becomes loose enough to be pulled by hand.
Step 6. Remove the tube from the wheel
Be careful not to detach the valve area. The inner tube will be dangling between the tire and the rim so if you are working on the rear wheel, be careful not to get it between the gears of the gearbox.
Step 7. Inflate the bladder enough to locate the puncture site
An air chamber is able to double or even triple its volume, making the hole widen more and more, in order to make it more easily identifiable.
Step 8. Look for a small hole in the surface of the bladder
Feel and listen if where the air leak is coming from. An even easier way is to keep part of the air chamber submerged, for example in a basin full of water, to locate the hole by observing the exit point of the air bubbles.
Step 9. Mark the area of the hole when you find it
Use a ballpoint pen or chalk to draw a large X centered on the hole. If not, it may be difficult to patch. Deflate the inner tube again.
Step 10. Sand the area where you will stick the patch
Many repair kits include a small metal rasp or small piece of sandpaper to do this.
Step 11. Put a small layer of glue on the hole area
Let it dry until the shiny liquid disappears. Get as much air out of the tube as possible.
Step 12. Peel off the patch plastic
Being careful not to touch it, put the sticky side of the patch in contact with the glue on the inner tube and press it firmly. Keep one hand behind the bladder to be able to push hard enough to attach the patch.
Step 13. Put the tube back onto the rim
Make sure the valve passes through the valve hole.
Step 14. Hold the tire pulled back with the palms of your hands. Important: Avoid using levers if possible, and never use a screwdriver to complete this step. The goal is to keep the tire detached from the rim without puncturing it too and without causing other punctures to the inner tube.
Step 15. Put the wheel back on the bike
Reconnect the brake if you disconnected it to remove the wheel. If it's the rear wheel, run the chain through the rear sprockets. Check that the rim is centered with respect to the brakes. Now tighten the bolts that secure the wheel.
Step 16. Inflate the wheel
Read the recommended pressure printed on the shoulder of the tire and use a pressure gauge to avoid over-inflating the wheel. Now put away all the tools and finish your bike ride in peace!
Advice
- There are fantastic products on the market that allow you to repair the wheel without even having to take it apart. Keep in mind that even if you used them, you would still need a pump to re-inflate the wheel. "Fix-a-flat" is a spray can with latex rubber and a propellant able to inflate a wheel immediately, but the pressure would be very high, and it is a flammable gas, so it is more suitable for larger tires than to those of a bicycle. Tire repair chemicals also add weight to your wheels.
- If you don't have a patch or glue, you can use regular super glue and no patches. If you use super glue, it's best to let it dry overnight.
- Get to know the components of your bicycle. Removing the wheel may be complicated with some types of gear sprockets, chains, brakes, etc. You should practice removing and replacing wheels at home, before having to do it in situations of extreme necessity.
Warnings
- A screwdriver is handy if you have nothing else, but it can puncture the inner tube, scratch the rim (creating burrs that could re-drill the inner tube), and cause damage in general. If you have them, use the levers. They can also damage an inner tube, but it is less likely.
- Never try to repair a wheel in a busy area or in dangerous situations, or on a cycle path. Put the bike in a safe area before starting. You would be too busy repairing to notice a car or other bike on the way.
- Over-inflating or under-inflating a wheel can create dangerous conditions, and make your wheel more exposed to any new punctures. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when inflating a wheel. You should find them on the shoulder of the tire.
