Lee Hill
Riding a bike gives you joy, while flat bike tears give you tears. If you love cycling, then you must also be ready with the answer to the question “How to repair a bike tire.” Moreover, repairing a bike tire is an easy job if you have the right tools and expertise for the job. Bike Tyres can attract punctures anywhere. Hence it is necessary to prepare for the worst.
We will be providing some of the best techniques for all the people who don’t know how to repair a bike tire puncture.
#1. Understanding the Different Tube and Tubeless Tyres
Before we start discussing how to repair a flat bike tire, all the readers need to understand the difference between tube and tubeless Tyres. As the name suggests, tube Tyres have a tube of air present inside the tire. Most of the elite riders prefer tubeless Tyres because tube Tyres may swing the vehicle once punctured. It also becomes difficult to stop a vehicle when its tube Tyres get punched.
Advantages of Tubeless Tyres
One of the prominent reasons for using tubeless tires is it gives excellent characteristics handling. Even if they get punctured, they don’t make the vehicle dance; hence, they help prevent accidents. Experts suggest that tubeless tires are top-rated in the automobile industry as they reduce friction and make the ride economically friendly. So, you have finally decided to go with tubeless tires for your lovely bike. Let us understand how you can mount it on your wheels.
How to Mount a Tubeless Tyre?
You have to be gentle and softly mount the tubeless tires on the bike. Buying a low rolling resistance tire is an easy job, but mounting it is difficult. You can also use soap water to coax the tire over the rim. You can also use an air compressor or a CO2 cartridge to ensure that your tire has the necessary air. You can better use an air compressor as you don’t want your tires to inflate rapidly.
On the other hand, using Co2 cartridges multiple times can be expensive. You also have to remove the valve core before you inflate the tire with desired PSI. If your tubeless tire doesn’t fit well, then go for a tube as there is no other option left in hand.
#2. How to Fix a Flat Cycle Tyre?
Removing the Wheel From the Bike
The first and foremost thing you have to do while fixing your tire is removing it from the cycle. If you have a tubeless tire repair kit, then you can skip the removal process. If there is a small puncture, then you plug it from the tire. If the damage is more, you have to remove or even replace depending on the damage. Most of the riders believe that removing the back wheel is difficult when compared to the front wheel. What makes the job difficult is, the back wheel is the presence of the chain and derailleur.
Eliminating the Plug
Conventional tube tires have an air-filled tube inside them, while tubeless tires have an inner air-tight rim, reducing friction. The tube tires can quickly get flat when compared to the tubeless ones.
You can use a tire plug kit to remove the plug from traditional tube tires. You can also find the tire plug kit in local shops. It has all the vital hardware tools and equipment, which is essential to fix the tube tire. You can also convert your tube tire into a tubeless tire if you want to enjoy the elegant features.
#3. How to Determine the Cause of Puncture?
A doctor would first test your body to find the pathogen before eliminating it with antibiotics. The same goes with the cycling industry, where you have to find the cause of the flat before fixing the problem. A common mistake most of the riders commit is they use their finger to move across the tire. It is one of the conventional ways of finding the cause, but it can be risky. If a sharp object has hit your tire, then it can hurt you too. It is recommended to complete the process with your vision. It might take some time, but you can save your finger from cuts and bandages.
What Can One Do if Visual and Physical Inspection Fails?
Although chances of success are high in both conditions, there are chances you might fail. There is no need to panic or worry as you can solve the problem with ease.
Inflate the tire, and you will hear the sound and easily find the cause of the flat.
#4. How to Repair a Tubeless Bike Tyre?
One of the best ways to fix your flat tire is by patching the problem with glue. It is also one of the best cost-efficient techniques for repairing a tire. You can find various patch kits in local bike shops.
You have first to clean the tire, and they rub the punctured area with sandpaper or emery cloth. You can apply the band-aid to the region by adding equal pressure from all sides. You can also use glue at both ends of the patch to make it firm. You have to replace the tire if the patch is large and you cannot patch it anymore.
#5. Best Tips to Follow While Fixing Flat Tyres
Your meeting with flat tires is not planned, but you can make it light if you already prepare yourself for the worse. You can add super glue to your tool kit as it is one of the best things to fix small patches. Sometimes you might have to face larger punctures, and in such cases, you have to tie both ends of the tube tightly. You can add the pressure of 50 PSI which is enough to get you out of the situation.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, you are not the first person facing the problem; therefore, preparing well in advance will help you tackle it with ease. We hope you enjoyed the article and also share your own flat-tire experiences in the comment section below.
