Flat tires happen to every cyclist. Knowing how to fix a puncture quickly gets you back on the road within minutes.
Quick Answer: Remove the wheel, use tire levers to remove one bead, pull out the tube, find the puncture, patch or replace the tube, reinstall, and inflate. Carry spare tubes, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 cartridges on every ride.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Spare inner tube (correct size and valve type)
- Tire levers (2-3 plastic levers)
- Pump or CO2 inflator with cartridges
- Patch kit (optional backup)
Step-by-Step Repair Process
First, remove the wheel from the bike. For quick-release wheels, open the lever and unscrew the opposite side slightly. For thru-axles, fully unscrew and remove the axle. Shift to the smallest cog on rear wheels to make removal easier.
Insert a tire lever under the tire bead and hook it to a spoke. Place a second lever 4-6 inches away and pry the bead over the rim. Slide one lever around the rim to fully remove one side of the tire.
Finding the Puncture
Pull out the inner tube and inflate it slightly. Listen and feel for escaping air. Check the tire interior for thorns, glass, or sharp objects that caused the flat. Remove any embedded debris to prevent immediate re-puncture.
Installing the New Tube
Partially inflate the new tube so it holds shape. Insert the valve through the rim hole first, then tuck the tube inside the tire all around the wheel. Start opposite the valve and use your hands (not tire levers) to push the tire bead back onto the rim.
Work around both sides toward the valve. The last section will be tight—push the tire into the rim’s center channel to create slack. Inflate to about half pressure and check that the tire bead sits evenly on both sides. Finish inflating to recommended pressure.
Common Mistakes
- Using tire levers to reinstall the tire (pinches and damages the new tube)
- Not checking inside the tire for puncture causes
- Over-inflating before checking bead seating
- Forgetting to shift to small cog before rear wheel removal
Essential Home Mechanic Tool
A quality bike repair stand makes maintenance tasks easier. The Park Tool PCS-10.2 is the gold standard for home mechanics:
Park Tool PCS-10.2 Home Mechanic Repair Stand
Holds up to 80 pounds, 18 inches of height adjustment, 360-degree clamp rotation. Professional quality for home use.
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