Puncture Repair

Whether you are an avid cyclist or ride your bike only occasionally, you''ll likely experience a tire puncture sooner or later. While tire punctures can be frustrating, knowing how to make permanent puncture repairs will help you get back on the trail quickly.

Anatomy of a Bike Tire

In order to know how to repair a tire puncture, you need to understand the basic components of a bike tire. The outside of the wheel, the part that makes contact with the ground, is made of rubber. However, this is not the only part of the tire. In fact, when you get a flat, it is usually the internal tube that is damaged. The tube is basically what it sounds like: an internal tube that holds air and gives the tire its shape.

When fixing a bike flat, the inner tube is the part of the tire that will need your attention.

Puncture Repair Kit

Most bicycle shops have puncture repair kits and patches that you can use to deal with a flat bicycle tire. Check out the selection at your nearest bike shop and be sure to get some pointers from the staff while you are there.

To repair a bike tire, you might need additional materials not included in the puncture repair kit, such as a wrench. See your bicycle''s owner''s manual to get an idea of the tools you''ll need to repair the tires on your bike.

Types of Tire Problems

Not all flat tires are created equally. Here are some likely manifestations of the classic flat:

• blowouts: Blowouts are when the inner tube explodes, often from over inflation. If you have a blowout, you''ll need to replace the tube.
• leaks: Leaks can occur from any hole in the inner tube, including one caused by a malfunctioning valve. Most leaks can be patched.
• punctures: Tire punctures occur when something sharp pokes through the bicycle''s inner tube. Tire punctures are relatively easy to repair.

Fixing Flat Bike Tires

Here are some tips on repairing tire punctures:

1. You may be able to fix your flat by inverting the bike and working with the tire still attached, but it will probably be easier if you take the entire tire off. To do this, you will need to release the brakes. In order to avoid damaging your bike, refer to your owner''s manual to learn how to release your brakes.
2. Next, take a look at the outside of the tire to see if the problem is apparent. If you can find the problem, skip to step four.
3. If you cannot see the hole, you will need to pull the inner tube out of the tire. After the tube is out, pump some air into the tube and place it close to your ear. You might be able to hear where the air is escaping.If you can''t locate the puncture through sound, submerge the tube in a bucket of water. Bubbles will rise from the tire puncture. You may want to have a grease pen on hand to mark the spot, as it will most likely remain difficult to see.For some holes, there will be no repair. If the hole is unusually large or jagged, or if there are multiple holes in the inner tube, you will have to buy a new tube or tire altogether.

4. Be sure to dry the tube thoroughly before using any of the glue or cement to patch your tire puncture. If the tire is wet, the products will not adhere properly. Following the directions on your supplies, patch the puncture.
5. After successfully patching your tire puncture, you will need to reinsert the tube into the tire and place the tire back on your bike rim.

Resources

Bike Repair 4 U (n.d.). Bicycle Repair Fixing a Flat. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from the Bike Repair 4 U Web site.