Sooner or later every cyclist gets a flat tyre. It is rarely a disaster if you know what to do and carry a few simple tools. Practise this once at home, and you will be able to do it by the roadside in about ten minutes.
What you will need
- Two tyre levers
- A spare inner tube that matches your tyre size and valve type, or a patch kit
- A pump or CO2 inflator
- A multi-tool or spanner if your wheels have bolts instead of quick releases
Know your valve type
| Valve | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Presta | Thin with a small locking nut at the tip | Common on road and performance bikes; unscrew the tip before pumping |
| Schrader | Wider, like a car valve | Common on city, hybrid and mountain bikes |
Step-by-step repair
- Get safe: move away from traffic and turn the bike upside down, or lean it against something stable.
- Remove the wheel: open the quick release or loosen the nuts. For a rear wheel, shift the chain onto the smallest cog first. Open the brake release if needed.
- Let out any air and push the tyre bead away from the rim.
- Lever one side of the tyre off: hook a lever under the bead, then use a second lever a few centimetres away to work around the rim.
- Remove the tube and keep the valve in mind so you can find the matching spot in the tyre.
- Find the cause: run your fingers carefully along the inside of the tyre to find a thorn, glass or wire. Remove it. Check the rim tape too.
- Put in a slightly inflated new tube so it holds its shape, starting at the valve.
- Refit the tyre using your hands first, making sure the tube is not pinched under the bead. Use a lever only if you must.
- Inflate to the pressure range printed on the tyre sidewall and check that the tyre is seated evenly.
- Refit the wheel, close the brakes and quick release firmly and spin the wheel to check that it runs true.
If you cannot find what caused the flat, do not just put in a new tube. The same object may be waiting to puncture it again.
Patch or replace the tube?
On the road, replace the tube because it is quicker. At home you can patch the damaged tube. Roughen the area around the hole, apply glue, let it get tacky and then press on the patch. Patched tubes are fine as spares.
How to prevent flats
- Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure; low pressure causes pinch flats
- Replace worn tyres before the casing shows
- Check the tyres for small embedded objects after each ride
- Consider puncture-resistant tyres or sealant for tubeless setups
Final thoughts
Carry the right kit from our essential gear list and add this repair to your regular maintenance routine. Confidence in fixing a flat makes every ride more relaxed.
This guide is for general information only. Bikes, prices and local rules differ, so check your bike manual and local regulations, and see a qualified mechanic for safety-critical repairs. If you have a health concern, speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
