How to Fix a Flat Tyre in 5 Easy Steps

A puncture is the most common setback when you’re out on your bike, and also the easiest to sort out. With a basic kit and ten minutes, you can fix a flat tyre yourself and get back on the road.

What to Carry in Your Repair Kit

Tyre levers (two or three plastic ones), a spare inner tube or glue-on patches, and a mini pump or CO₂ cartridge. It takes up little space, weighs even less and can save your day.

1. Remove the Wheel

Turn the bike upside down or lean it against something. Open the quick release or loosen the axle and, if needed, open the brake. For the rear wheel, first shift into the smallest sprocket: it’ll be easier to take the wheel off and put it back on.

2. Remove the Tyre and Inner Tube

Let all the air out of the tube. Slide a tyre lever between the tyre and the rim, lever it out and run the second lever around the wheel until one side of the tyre is off. Then pull out the tube, starting opposite the valve.

3. Find the Hole and the Cause

Pump a little air into the tube and listen, or hold it close to your face to feel the air escaping. If you have water handy, the hole will bubble. Before going any further, run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tyre: if the thorn or piece of glass is still stuck there, you’ll get another puncture.

4. Patch It or Replace the Tube

If you’re using a patch, roughen the area, apply a thin layer of glue, let it dry slightly and press the patch on firmly. If you’ve brought a spare tube, it’s even quicker: inflate it just enough to give it shape.

5. Refit and Inflate

Insert the tube into the tyre starting at the valve, push the tyre back onto the rim by hand and check the tube isn’t pinched. Inflate to the pressure shown on the side of the tyre and refit the wheel.

What If You’re Riding a Rental Bike?

When you rent with Nafent Bikes, you can add a repair kit to your booking. On an e-bike, removing the rear wheel can be trickier: if you get a puncture during your ride and aren’t sure what to do, give us a call and we’ll help you out.

And if you have your own bike and would rather we took care of it, our bike workshop in Pals offers repairs, servicing and tune-ups.