How To Fix A Bike Puncture - Repairing An Inner Tube, by Global Cycling Network on YouTube. 4 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Shift the chain onto the smallest rear cog and open the brake quick release if your bike has one. This slackens the wheel so it lifts out easily.
Deflate the tyre fully by pressing the valve core. Then push the tyre bead away from the rim all the way round.
Hook a tyre lever under the bead and clip it to a spoke. Use a second lever about 10 cm away and run it round to free one side of the tyre.
Pull the inner tube out, starting at the valve. Note how it sits in the tyre so you can refit it the same way.
Inflate the tube a little and dunk it in water in sections. Mark each spot where bubbles escape, since a tube can have more than one hole.
Dry the tube and roughen the area around each hole with the sandpaper in the kit. The patch sticks best to a matte, clean surface.
Spread a thin layer of glue over an area bigger than the patch. Let it go tacky for about five minutes, then press the patch on firmly and hold it.
Peel off the backing film and dust the repaired area with chalk so the patch does not stick to the tyre. Check the tyre for the thorn or glass that caused the hole.
Fit one bead of the tyre on the rim, push the valve through the hole and tuck the tube in all the way round. Then lever the second bead on with your hands or levers.
Inflate slowly to your usual pressure and check the tyre bead sits evenly on the rim. Refit the wheel, close the brake and spin it to test.
Tips and common mistakes
Find the cause before refitting the tube, or the same thorn will puncture the new or repaired tube.
Do not inflate the tube hard before gluing, or the patch will sit on a curved surface and lift at the edges.
Let the glue dry to a tacky film rather than pressing the patch onto wet glue, which gives a weak bond.
Carry a spare tube on rides and save the patching for home, where you have water and time.
Questions
Can I patch a tube without glue?
Yes, self-adhesive patches work without glue. Clean and roughen the area first, then press the patch on hard and leave it a few minutes before inflating.
How long does a puncture repair last?
A well-applied patch can last as long as the tube. Check it holds air before a long ride, and replace the tube if the patch starts to peel.
Do I need to remove the wheel?
It is much easier. You can patch a tube with the wheel in place, but removing the wheel gives you room to find the hole and refit the tyre properly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
