Biking is a great way to get around town, and it’s also a great form of exercise. But what do you do when you get a flat tire? If you know how to patch a bike tire, you can fix the problem in less than five minutes! In this blog post, we will show you how to patch a bike tire using a few simple tools. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prevent flats in the first place. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, read on for all the information you need to know about bike tires!
Contents
Get the right tools
The first step is to get the right tools. You’ll need a patch kit, tire levers, and a pump.
Patch kit – Patch kits come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same basic components: a few pieces of rubber (the patches), some adhesive, and a set of instructions.
Tire levers – Tire levers are small plastic or metal wedges that help you get the tire off your rim without damaging it.
Pump – A pump is used to inflate tires after repairing them and will also be helpful if you have a flat while out on a ride.
Patching A Bike Tire
Remove the wheel from the bike frame
Remove the wheel from the bike frame by loosening the nuts on either side with a wrench. How to remove a bike wheel from a bike frame may vary depending on your make and model of bicycle, so consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure.
Take off the old tire and inner tube
If your rear wheel is not already out of the frame, you will need to remove it. This can be done in one of two ways:
Either by removing the quick-release skewer or by rotating the axle nuts below the bottom bracket.
The latter method obviously requires that you have access to tools that are able to loosen and tighten these types of fasteners.
If you only have a cog wrench (for tightening) available, then you’ll need to use the “quick release” method for removing both axles.
Whichever method you choose, make sure all braking has been released before attempting any further work on the bike!
Removing the front wheel is a similar process to removing the rear wheel, with a couple of small differences.
First of all, the front wheel has two axle nuts rather than one, and they are usually tightened a lot more securely than the rear axle nut.
Second of all, there is usually a brake cable attached to the top of the brake caliper – this needs to be released before attempting to remove the wheel.
Again, make sure all braking has been released before starting!
Apply patches to any holes in the inner tube using the adhesive on the patch kit
– Make sure the tube is completely clean and dry before applying the patches
– Follow the instructions on the patch kit carefully, and be sure to use enough adhesive
– Allow the patches to dry properly before reassembling the wheel and putting the bike back into use.
– Be sure not to exceed the maximum recommended air pressure for your tires (usually stated in PSI).
This number can be found on the sidewall of each tire, and you should check it at least once a year to make sure there hasn’t been any change since manufacture.