It’s an inevitability that at some point while you’re happily riding along your bike tyres will spring a leak or have a full on blow out. Many mountain bikers say if you’ve never experienced either of these you’re not doing it right. As long as you’re properly prepared it’s not something that you need to live in fear of.
Hopefully, if the puncture is small enough, you can simply repair the inner tube, but in some cases the tear is too big to repair. In those cases you’ll need to replace the tube entirely. This is why it’s so important to always carry at least two extra tubes with you when you go on a ride. Here’s an additional tip: Test inflate your back ups before you take them with you to ensure that they don’t have any defects. The last thing you want is to think you’re prepared for a blow out only to discover that you’re back up won’t work.
Aside from extra tubes there are a few small pieces of equipment that you’ll need to repair or replace your bike tyres.
- Multi-tool – A multi-tool will be important for getting your bike tyres off.
- Tyre Lever – Please take the extra effort to buy a tire lever, which helps you remove the tube, and don’t use a stick or other improvised tool for getting the tyre off the rim. If you do, you risk scratching the rim of your bike or further damaging the inner tube.
- Repair Kit – These will usually contain sanding paper, patches and glue (if the patches are glue-less)
- Replacement Tubes – Carry two with you when you ride at all times.
- Portable Bike Pump – You won’t be able to get far in your repairs without one of these.
Repairing or Replacing a Bike Tyre Tube
First, you’ll want to release the extra air left in the tube. Simply, press the inner valve in until the tyre is completely deflated. After you’ve done this you need to remove the tube. Use your tyre lever to gently pop out the tyre. Be careful not to puncture the tube with the lever. The goal is to gingerly insert the lever inside the rim between the tyre and the tube. Once the lever is in place you simply drag it along the rim. This will push the tyre outside the rim and allow you to slip it off the wheel. Gently remove the tube and set it aside. Try to keep it lined up in the same direction of the tyre. This will help you find the puncture should you find the damaging source in the tyre.
Now you’ll want to check for the source of the damage. Very carefully run your fingers along the inside portion of the tire feeling for anything sharp. Use a gentle touch to avoid accidentally stabbing your finger. If you find the source remove it and realign the tube with the tyre. This will help you find the puncture in the tube. If it’s small enough you can follow the directions on a patch kit to repair the tube.
If the damage is too much you’ll have to replace the tube. Make sure there’s nothing left in the tire that would damage your new tube. Once you’ve done this partially inflate the tube to give it a general shape. Insert the tube into the tyre, make sure that it is fully covered and inside the tyre. Then, locate the valve hole in the rim, and start pushing the tyre back under the rim. It should be fairly easy until the last portion of the tyre. You may need to use your tyre lever here to push it fully in.
Inflate the tire. Tip: Pinch your fingers along the length of the tyre to ensure that the tube isn’t caught beneath the rim at any point.
If you are prepared, getting a puncture or a blow out doesn’t have to ruin your ride. Just follow these simple steps and get back on the saddle.
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