Bike repair: patch a bike tire

While riding a bike, something annoying may happen. One of those kinds of things is to get a flat tire on the road.

But let it no longer be a hurdle for your free movement. Meet the instructions and learn how to patch a tire in your bicycle easily.

Today there are more and more pedalists break into traffic ways all over the world. Not only modern cities are overcrowded by cars, but also lots of bikes get around.

For some, cycling is just a hobby or one of the ways to get a life. While others consider riding a lifestyle, an integral part of their being.

And in fact wheeling has much in common with human life. There is movement, as well as different obstacles may face you on your way.

One of such troubles is when you need to fix a flat tire. In most cases, nails, small glass particles or sharp stone tops are the reason.

They pin the rubber and delivers concerns. This situation could be intimidating for some of you, yet the process of tube patching is rather simple.

To patch a bike tire you should know what steps to do and in what order these measures should be taken.

Patch a tire properly following our instructions. This skill can usefully be your future time saver, if for example, you’ve appointed a meeting with somebody.

Additionally, you will be able to choose between professional repair and completing the do-it-yourself project by own efforts.

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The tusk is fortunately not as serious as you may think. Even children can be trained to fix a flat bicycle tire.

At first, you may need around 30 minutes to make heads or tails of the process. But then, you will be more fast and accurate.

Anyway, to be sure you gain your destination, it’s better to arm yourself with a special patch kit and use our guide to be ready for any unexpected situations on the track.

What tools will you need?

Before proceeding to the process itself, consider some tools you will need to fix the problem. You should better get prepared before starting your repair.

First is a bicycle tire patch kit. In addition to it, you’d better have one extra spare tube if it’s more rationally to change it completely.

Normally, the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of a flat tire is a pump. It will inflate the tire after patching.

But also, don’t forget about tire levers. They are aimed at removing overlay. In many cases adjustable wrench can also come in handy.

Patch a hole in your bike’s tube in 6 steps

1. Remove the wheel

   More probably, you will need to remove the wheel first. It will give you the opportunity to work comfortably and detain the hole easier.
   Sometimes, it’s just enough to find a puncture without removal. If so, skip all steps until the patching step itself.

   To remove the wheel, use quick release to loosen it first.  Otherwise, apply the adjustable wrench, if you see the nuts on your bike.
   Finally, remove the wheel from the frame. If you deal with a rear wheel, shift the chain into the smallest gear set of the bike.

2. Remove the tube

   In order to find a hole, you need to take off the tire. With the help of tire lever, pry up the tube and put it out completely.
   It’s better to start hooking from the place opposite to valve. Then, use the second lever to unseat the tire and go around the wheel and take the tire out of the rim.

   You may need to push harder when pulling the valve stem.

3. Locate the flat

   When you removed the flat tire, it’s time to find the place where the air leaks. There are some valid methods you can select.
   Start with pumping the air with the pump and define the place of leak.
   Try to hear the flow of air when pressing all over the tire and letting the air out. Alternatively, you can feel air streams with your hand skin as well.

   One more option is to submerge the flat tire into water. You will find a hole due to the bubbles going out of it.
   To finish this step, mark the puncture with the white (preferably) chalk or pencil etcetera.

4. Patch the tube

   Before patching it’s important to make sure there is no dust, water and other foreign objects that can inhibit gluing.
   For this purpose, bicycle repair technicians recommend to remove all dirt and small parts and scrape down a little bit on the area where you will patch.
   Some kits provide sandpaper in order to make the surface less smooth. That will ensure the better bond. So, follow the directions and sand the hole if needed.

   You can use a glueless patch, just spread it over the hole and apply force to fix it. If using glue, cover the tube with a thin layer and then apply your patch.
   Wait for some time until the adhesive works. Let it dry. Inspect the tube and make sure the patch sealed all around.

5. Put the tube back

   When the job is finished, you can now install your tube back in the tire. Before doing it, inflate it a bit so that it will be easier for you to fix.
   Pay attention the valve is in its right position. You can generally set the tube by your hands or more rarely using levers.

6. Pump full and assemble your bike

   When you put the tire into the wheel, pump the tube up. Use any type of a pump.
   After you filled it up with air completely, leave your bike for a few minutes. Then, check if there is enough pressure and no leak.
   If so, you’re ready to go! Except for one more thing. Don’t forget to install the wheel.