Joe Breeze of Marin County, California

It’s not enough for bikers to know how to do awesome tricks on different terrains; they should also be just as skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to the maintenance and repairs of their bikes.

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Whether you run with tubes or tubeless, you are bound to experience getting a flat tire in at least one of your rides. What if it happens on your next ride? Are you prepared?

First, make sure to always bring your tools during your rides. You will be helpless without them. These include:

• Tire levers
• Correctly-sized spare tube
• Inflation devices such as a mini pump or a CO2 cartridge
• A patch kit or tire plug

Once you have the tools ready, follow these steps on how to fix a flat tire:

For Tubed Tires: 

In case your tire has a cut in the sidewall or tread, we will need to patch it to keep the new tube in place. For this level of repair, you may want to remove the tire from the wheel altogether for better access. Clean the area around the cut as best you can and make sure it is completely dry. Use tape or the patch kit to cover the entire inside of the tire. After the patch or tape is in place, you can proceed as usual.

How to Install a New Tube

With CO2 or a pump, blow just enough air into the tube to give it some shape. Work the new tube into the tire from the side where you removed the bead, making sure that the valve stem is aligned first. (This is where Presta valves with threaded stems come in handy.) Once the tube is fully in place, make sure it’s not wrinkled or overlapping.

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Putting the tire bead back in place

You can usually reseat most tires with just your thumbs. With your thumbs, squeeze the valve stem bead back into place. Hold the wheel up in the air, and while working both hands up opposite sides, from bottom to top, pinch both beads into the deepest part of the rim. You’ll have just enough slack at the top to pop that last bit of bead over the rim. If your tires are really stubborn, you will need to use your tire lever to push them over the edge.

We’re ready for inflation!

It’s time for some air now that all the pieces are in place. Attach your CO2 inflator or pump and get started. When you have it inflated to your liking, put the wheel back on your bike and start riding!

For Tubeless Tires: 

Your sealant should do the trick in patching up your tire. Just in case, carry a tube that fits your tire with you on trail rides and go through the typical process you would do for a tubed tire.

The most important takeaway from this tutorial is to make sure you have the necessary tools with you wherever you go. As long as you have them, you can get back on the road in no time.

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