How to fix a flat in 7 easy steps:
It’s really not too difficult so long as you have a good set of tire levers and a pump.

Tire Lever	Floor Pump

1. Remove the wheel from the bike.

2. Use your tire levers to pry the tire up and off of the rim (3 tire levers are included). 2 levers can be spaced about 3 spokes apart, wedged under the bead (that’s the inside band of the tire) and then hooked behind the spokes. Wedge the 3rd lever in and pry down. This should pop the tire bead up and onto the outside of the rim where you can use one lever to pull along the rim and pop the bead off . Note: for changing a flat you only need to remove one side of the tire.

Using tire lever to pry bead	Two levers under tire bead

3. Pull out the old tube. Inflate the old tube. Use your fingers to feel or listen to where the air is leaking from. Once you’ve found the hole in the tube, match the valve stem up to the valve stem hole on the rim to identify where the flat was on the tire. You’ll want to check this area on the tire to make sure it is not damaged and the tire is still useable.

4. Inspect the tire for glass, metal bits or anything else that may have caused the flat by running your finger slowly around the inside of the tire casing. If you don’t remove the item that created the puncture, you’ll be flat again a few pedal strokes away from where you changed the first flat. Remove the offending bit carefully – remember this little object was sharp enough to cut through 7 layers of tire; your finger is no match.

5. Inflate the tube lightly (it will look like a round sausage) and slip the new tube into the tire. Using a partially inflated tube actually makes working the tube back inside the tire easier and reduces the chance of pinch flats.

6. Use your thumbs to slowly roll the tire back on the rim – it’s a good test of how tough your thumbs are – making sure you don’t pinch the tube between the trim and the tire. The tube needs to be inside the tire or you’ll get what’s called a pinch flat.

7. Inflate you tires back to the recommended pressure.


Note: “Flat-fixing” classes are available at local bike shops. Some dealers will even provide a 1-on-1 demonstration if the shop isn’t busy.

Helpful hint: Always carry a spare tube, a multi-tool and tire wrenches – even if you don’t know how to fix a flat. Other cyclists on the road can help you fix a flat if you’ve got the right tools with you.