How to fix a bicycle flat

Step 1: Remove the wheel from the bike. If a quick-release wheel, first open the brake, then open the quick release lever. Unscrew the skewer (opposite the lever) a couple of times, then lift bike and remove wheel.

Step 2: Visually inspect sidewalls and tread, looking for holes.

Step 3: Open up the air valve stem and completely deflate tire.

Step 4: Insert tire lever between the wheel rim and tire bead. Insert second tire lever about three inches away and run the lever halfway around the tire — separating the tire bead from the rim around the entire wheel.

Step 5: Remove the inner-tube by pushing on the valve stem, rolling the tire back from the rim — pulling the tube out of the tire.

Step 6: Insert new inner tube by inserting valve stem of new tube through the valve stem hole in wheel. Insert the inner tube into tire around the entire wheel.

Step 7: Go back to valve stem and snap tire bead back into the rim around the entire wheel. If tire gets tight, insert tire lever to help stretch and snap the tire back into the rim

Step 8: Tug on valve stem and examine to be certain tire is fully back in place.

Step 9: Reinflate tire.

Step 10: Re-attach tire (quick-release lever on left) and tighten. Close quick-release lever and brake.

Step 11: Spin wheel to ensure it rotates smoothly. Adjust brakes to ensure they grasp wheel.

If Repairing a Back Wheel:

Process is essentially the same, but you will need to work around the gear cassette.

• Remove rear wheel as in Step 1 above. In order to get the wheel off, make sure the gearing is in the smallest gear (closest to the derailer) and that the front of the gear cassette is on the smallest chain ring.
• Gently pull derailer back, lift bike up and the wheel should easily come off.
• Fix the tire as described in Steps 2-9 above.
• Reattach rear wheel, reversing the process above.

Tire repair kit including:

Two tire levers

New Inner Tube

Tire pump