3 of 8

Write now Article Tools

You could always take your bike into a cycle shop to get your puncture repaired, but it's so simple to do yourself that it's just not worth the bother of having to push your bike there and remember that, with a flat tire, it'll be a lot more difficult! The following instructions will guide you through the process of repairing a flat tire.

Turn your bike upside down, so it's resting on the saddle and handlebars. Check the tire to see if you can see what has caused the flat. If you can, then make a mental note of where the puncture point is on the tyre, and check the point in relation to the valve so that when you come to take the tube out of the tire you will have a good idea of where you need to be looking. If you think that it's just the one puncture and you can repair it without taking the wheel off then try to do so: the following will work whether you're repairing a puncture that way, or you've taken the wheel off.

Ease the tyre off. You might need some instrument to help you with this. There are plastic implements designed specifically for this job, but if you don't have one then the tried and trusted kitchen fork will work, although it's not ideal. Gently place the fork handle in and under the edge of the tire and the other end (the "forked" end) into the spokes to keep it in place. Gently move the fork handle round the wheel easing the tire off. Once the tube is out and you've located the puncture, clean it and roughen it a little with some sand paper (if you have a puncture repair kit, there should be a piece of sand paper or similar in there for this purpose). Decide which size patch you're going to use and then place a film of glue over the puncture a little bigger than the size of the patch. Leave the glue to dry so it's no longer "tacky": this is important - the patch will have a much better chance of staying put if the glue is almost dry. Apply the patch and press down firmly. If there's a small block of chalk in your repair kit, then grate some of this over the patch - there's usually a "grater" of sorts incorporated into the repair box somewhere - this will stop the tube from sticking to the inside of the tire when you replace it. Put the tube back in and place the tire back on the wheel, using the forks again if necessary. Pump the tire up.

If you're not certain that you can repair the puncture without taking the wheel off, or just want to be absolutely certain that there's no more punctures in the tube, then you will have to take the wheel off and take the tube out fully from the tire. If your tires are the chunkier sort (mountain bike tires, for instance), you will probably need to "un-hook" your brakes in order to take the wheel off. Taking the tire off completely from one side of the wheel gives you the opportunity to check the inside of the tire for any sharp objects which might cause further punctures - just run your fingers around the inside of the tire and remove any offending objects. Once you've made your repair, place the tube back inside the tire and then ease the tire back on the wheel; you might need those forks again for this, especially when you get to the very last bit of tire to pull on, and it's easier to get the tube sitting properly in the tire if there's a small amount of air it in. Pump the tire up. Now you're ready to go and will be well prepared for the next time.

Learn more about this author, Jed Eane.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to repair a bicycle flat tire?
We want to hear your view. Write now!