tires

Flat

OK so you got a flat. Now What?
No problem, don't panic. Just a few simple steps and you're back on the trail. This is of course assuming you are prepared. You will need either a patch kit or a new tube. You will also need a set of tire levers and a pump.

Step One: Take your wheel off.

Step Two: Remove one side of the tire from the rim with tire levers by placing the lever between the tire and the rim then prying the tire over the lip of the rim.

Step Three: Once you have half the tire off, pull out the inner-tube.

Step Four: If you can't see where the leak is then the tube is repairable. If there is a large visible tear then you will need to replace the tube. Assuming the tube is patchable, pump up the tube and place it in a bucket of water. You will see bubbles form where the leak is.

Step Five: Now that you've found the hole, deflate the tube, clean the area around the hole and scuff the area with course sand paper. Put glue on the hole, wait a few minutes and then place the patch over the hole. Note: The latest and greatest invention is the glueless patch kit. This is much smaller and easier to carry in a saddle bag and the best part is all you do is clean the area around the hole and stick the patch on.

Step Six: Put the tube back in the tire and using the tire levers put the tire back on the rim. Be carefull not to pinch the tube with the levers otherwise you will just make more holes. Now pump up the tire to the desired pressure.

Step Seven: Finally put your wheel back on your bike and start riding.

SOME ALTERNATIVE FLAT REPAIRS

Option One

If you find yourself stranded without a spare tube, or even a patch kit, you may still be able to ride home. If you have some duct tape (a nice addition to any tool kit) you can tear off a small piece and cover the hole in your tube to slow the leak. This should allow you to limp home.

Option Two

Thinking you're screwed because you don't have a new tube, patch kit or even a pump? As long as you still have a tire, you can make your bike rideable. Take your tire off, and remove the tube. Then with your tire half on the rim, pack it as tightly as you can with pine cones, leaves, grass, anything you can find. Then once you've packed all you can into the tire, put it back on the rim. This isn't going to be the best ride feel you've ever experienced, but you will be able to ride back to your car and it will get you out of an otherwise dangerous situation.

Pressure

When was the last time you checked the pressure in your tires? If you answered more than three days ago, you had better check them before your next ride.

Keeping your tires at their optimum pressure is one of the two easiest ways to keep your bike working at its best (the other one is keeping your drivetrain clean and lubricated). When your tires are under-inflated they wear faster, are much more prone to flatting, have increased probability of both rim and tire damage, and worst of all they have significantly more rolling resistance.

All tires have a maximum pressure printed or molded on the sidewall. In the case of narrow (25C or 1" or less) road tires, I feel the optimum pressure is 120psi or the maximum rated pressure, whichever is higher. Studies have shown no decrease in rolling resistance above 120psi, only a harsher ride. Mountain bike pressure is significanly less.

Tires with standard butyl (black rubber) tubes should have their pressure checked at least every three or four days (every time you ride them if you ride less than twice a week), and ultralight butyl and latex tubes at about half that interval. Keep in mind that if you use CO2 cylinders on the trail they seep MUCH faster and after you get home should be fully deflated and then re-inflated with good ol' air.

Speaking of fixing flats on the trail, here are some other tips. When fixing a flat, be sure to find the cause by feeling inside the casing for the entire circumference or it's likely to cause another one. Try aligning the "hot patch" or tire label with the valve stem and on the drivetrain side of the bike. This gives you an easy reference point to find the cause when you get a flat by comparing the tire to the tube. Also inspect your tires frequently for glass or other debris and remove it before it has a chance to work its way to the tube and cause a flat.

You'll ride farther, faster, with less effort, and with less flats if you take the time to inspect your tires and check their pressure.