I was about to go for a ride the other day and noticed this. Apparently I got a pinch flat during my last ride because the tire pressure was too low. Luckly, tires and tube are a quick and easy fix. Here’s the tools for the job:
1. Tire levers (preferably some heavy duty plastic or aluminum ones)
2. Crescent wrench or socket (to remove the axle nuts)
3. Tire Pump
the tools
If you don’t have any/all of these I highly recommend getting them as they are heavily used tools by cyclists. And if you’re an internet shopper like myself, I recommend Amazon.com
Although, my tires we not terribly worn, they were very old and so I decided to go ahead and replace the tire while I was replacing the tube. I just get the basic road tires, I got these from biketiresdirect.com.
fresh rubber
And if I don’t already have a huge stock I order lots of tubes to have plenty of spares, you can never really have too many.
tubes are your friend!
With the right tools you’ll be amazed at how simple a flat tire can be to fix.
Step 1
Remove wheel
Loosen nut
Step 2
Remove tire from rim by using the tire levers to pry the tire bead over the edge of the rim. Tip: Use the opposite end of the tire lever to hold the tire out by wrapping the loop or notch around the spokes.
insert lever under lip
flip lever down and under a spoke
Continue working around the rim until it’s loose enough to pull off.
insert other lever and slide it around
use your hand to start working it off
once it is far enough off just grab and pull apart
Step 3
Pull tube from tire
tube removed from tire
Step 4
Inflate new tube just slightly
slightly inflated tube
Step 5
Place the new tube into the tire
tube inserted into the tire
Step 6
Start at the nozzle and work the tire back onto the rim. When you get towards the end you can use the tire levers again if necessary, but be cautious not to pinch the tube.
work it on with your hands
If it gets really tight you can use the levers to help you get the bead back on the rim, just be cautious not to pinch the tube between the tire and rim.
Step 7
Reinstall the wheel
setting the chain on the sprocket
tighten axle nut
Step 8
Inflate. I usually inflate to about 60 psi, but check your tires for manufacturer recommendations.
Step 9
Ride!
