How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube

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Nov 14, 2017 - 12:24:00

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Introduction

Flat tires can bring a bike to stop, or at least a hobble, but this guide will help you apply a patch and get back up and going in no time.

What you need

Step 1 How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube

How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube, How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube, How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube, How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube: step 1, image 3 of 3

Using the tire lever hook side, hook the inside of the tire. Then proceed to remove the first side of the tire from the rim all along the circumference of the rim.
Once one side is out, pull the rest of the tire out in the same direction.

Step 2

Pull the inner tube away and out of the tire until it is completely detached from the tire.

Step 3

While squeezing the tube with both hands, rotate the tire while keeping an ear to the tube to hear air escaping, which marks the location of the hole.

Step 4

NOTE: The next portion is about patching the hole so keep the sand paper, rubber cement, and patches nearby.

Step 5

How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube: step 5, image 3 of 3

Grind the location of the hole slightly until the surface feels a little rough.
Next, apply a thin coat of the rubber cement around the hole. The coat of cement should be about the same size as the patch.
For best results wait until the rubber cement is dry to the touch—around three minutes.
Finally, peel off the back of the patch, place it over the area of rubber cement with the hole centered, and then apply pressure with thumb until rubber cement is dry.

Step 6

How to Patch a Hole in a Bicycle Tube: step 6, image 3 of 3

Using one hand to hold the rim, use the other to push one side of the tire back onto the rim.
Starting by placing the valve stem into the hole in the rim, begin pushing the tube into and under the tire. Then continue all the way around the tire.
A valve stem is the metal/rubber piece that sticks out of a bike tire's tube.

Step 7

Once the tube is in, push the second side of the tire into the rim and continue all the way around the rim until the tire is inside the rim.
Check both sides once you believe to be done as to make sure that the tire did not slip out of the rim anywhere.
If you have caliper brakes then it is recommended that you place your tire back onto the bike before re-inflating.