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How To Fix A Flat Tire

Sooner or later, you'll ride over some glass or perhaps hit a rut or hole and get a flat tire. When this happens, don't panic! As long as you carry a few basic tools (photo), flat repair is easy -- even fun! Here's how it's done:

You'll need (l to r): a pump (carried on your bike or in a pack),
a spare tube (to replace the popped one) and tire levers (for removing the tire).
(photo top), inflating further may blow the tire and tube off the rim! There's a bead line on the side of the tire (photo bottom) that should be equidistant from the rim all the way around on both sides of the tire. If it's not, or if you see a section of tube peeking out from under the rim, let the air out, work the tube back into place, reinflate partway and check the tire again. When it's seated correctly, inflate it fully. Install the valve nut (if your tube uses one) and cap finger tight (overtightening the valve nut can damage the tube and make it difficult to loosen it when you need to fix a flat). Reinstall the wheel in the frame, close the brake quick release or reattach the noodle or cable and you're ready to ride! Tips
  • Not all portable pumps have the power to fully inflate all tires. But that's okay. You only need enough air to make the tire firm enough to ride on. If you can't get it hard enough to finish your ride, find a bike shop or head home to fix it properly.
  • The first time you fix a flat it may take 30 minutes to an hour. But, with practice, you'll get much faster. Experienced cyclists can easily repair one in 10 minutes.
  • If you ride regularly and haven't fixed a flat yet, practice at home to build your confidence.">
    (photo top), inflating further may blow the tire and tube off the rim! There's a bead line on the side of the tire (photo bottom) that should be equidistant from the rim all the way around on both sides of the tire. If it's not, or if you see a section of tube peeking out from under the rim, let the air out, work the tube back into place, reinflate partway and check the tire again. When it's seated correctly, inflate it fully. Install the valve nut (if your tube uses one) and cap finger tight (overtightening the valve nut can damage the tube and make it difficult to loosen it when you need to fix a flat). Reinstall the wheel in the frame, close the brake quick release or reattach the noodle or cable and you're ready to ride! Tips
  • Not all portable pumps have the power to fully inflate all tires. But that's okay. You only need enough air to make the tire firm enough to ride on. If you can't get it hard enough to finish your ride, find a bike shop or head home to fix it properly.
  • The first time you fix a flat it may take 30 minutes to an hour. But, with practice, you'll get much faster. Experienced cyclists can easily repair one in 10 minutes.
  • If you ride regularly and haven't fixed a flat yet, practice at home to build your confidence." data-width="379px" data-height="316px" data-thumbnail="/images/library/site/maintenance_howtofixaflat_inflatetire_lg.jpg">
  • Step 6: Inflate & seat the tire