5-Minute Flat Fix

Don't Break Your Brake

If you jam the wheel through the brake to remove or install it, you may knock off the brake pads. Bummer. So first, for cantilevers, open the brake by releasing the end of the linking wire; for direct-pull brakes, free the cable guide "spaghetti" tube; or, for sidepulls, open the quick-release in the caliper or lever.

For rear flats, save yourself chain trouble by shifting to the smallest rear cog. Then flip the quick-release skewer and remove the wheel.

A sandy chain crunches something awful. Keep it clean by laying the bike on its left side or standing it upside down. Fully flatten the tube by depressing a Schrader valve with the corner of a tire lever. For presta valves, unscrew and depress the tip.

Grip and Rip.

Yeah, it's a snap to pry off a tire with levers. But real mechanics use their hands. You can, too. First, unscrew the nut that may be attached to presta valves. Then grab the tire opposite the valve stem and roll it back on your thumb so you can pull up.

Meanwhile, go around the wheel with your free hand, squeezing and wiggling to force the tire beads to move into the deep center section of the rim. Done right, this will create slack between the tires and rim, allowing you to peel the tire with only your digits and immediately giving you legendary status in local riding circles.

Track That Tack

A bit of glass, a nail, a piece of wire or a railroad spike—whatever popped your ride, find it now. Check your tire casing to see if the evil object is still in there by sliding your glove or a rag around the inside in both directions. If it snags on something sharp, take that something out and dispose of it. If the tire's clean, inspect the inside of the rim.

Sometimes the sharp edges of the spoke nipples can cause a flat, so make sure they're all covered by the rim tape or strip. The quickest way to fix a flat on the road or trail is to use a new tube. No littering, though. Save the punctured tube, patch it at home and use it for a spare next time. Inflate the new tube just enough to give it shape, and remove wrinkles. Lay the tire on the ground and tuck the tube inside the tire.

Be a Rubber Wrestler

Lay the wheel down and place the tire/tube combo on top, aligning the valve with the rim's hole. Push the valve partially through the hole, and work the lower tire bead onto the rim all the way around. With one bead on the rim, tuck the tube completely inside the tire. Next, work the tube onto the rim, starting at the valve stem and working with both hands away from it. If the bead resists, deflate the tube fully and try again.

Place the wheel on a knee, holding one end of the uninstalled section to keep it in place, then using the heel of your stronger hand and your thumbs to roll the bead onto the rim. Feel free to grunt. Don't use tire levers, or you'll pinch the tube and you'll have to start all over.

Pump It Up

Put the nut on presta valves or press from beneath for Schraders to hold the valve in place. Then press the pump head on. Inflate the tire and check seating. A line molded into the sidewalls (the bead line) should be equidistant from the rim all the way around. If there are bulges or dips, deflate and reinflate when the bead is seated perfectly to avoid the big-bang embarrassment. You may have to carefully poke the tube from under the bead. When the tire is inflated correctly, install it on the bike and reconnect the brake.