How to Fix a Bicycle Tire
- 1). Flip the bicycle upside down, so it is resting on its seat and handlebars.
- 2
Bicycle wrenches don't take up much room.old bicycle tool image by Stepanov from Fotolia.com
Remove the damaged wheel, using the wrench to loosen it. - 3). Pry the tire from the rim one side at a time, using the tire irons to remove it. Work your way around the wheel.
- 4). Remove the tube from the tire.
- 5). Pump up the damaged tube, then hold it underwater to find the leak. You might need to squeeze it to push the air out. Look for bubbles coming from the tube. Dry the tube, then mark it where the leak is.
- 6). Feel around inside the tire, carefully. You're looking for the thorn or nail that popped your tire. When you find it, pull it out.
- 7). Buff the punctured area of the tube with the metal scraper from your patch kit. Make the buffed area larger than the new patch; it will help the patch stick to the tube.
- 8). Get the glue from your patch kit and squeeze a small amount on the tube. Cover enough area to hold the entire patch. Let the glue dry.
- 9). Peel off the backing from the patch and press it onto the glued area of the tube. Hold it in place for a few minutes.
- 10
Pump up the tube just enough to round it. - 11
Place the tube back in the tire, carefully. Make sure all of it is in. - 12
Work the valve stem into the hole in the rim, then put the tire and tube back on. You might need to use the tire irons to get the tire on all the way. - 13
Inspect the rim to make sure the tire is on all the way. If it's not, it may bulge and damage tire and tube. - 14
Align the valve stem so it sticks straight out once you have the tire on. - 15
Put the wheel back on the bike, using the wrench to tighten it. Make sure it is aligned properly; spin the wheel a couple of times to ensure it does not wobble. - 16
Pump the tire up to the recommended pressure.
