How to Fix a Flat

You never know when it will happen to you, so be prepared in the event of a flat! Watch the following video for a demonstration and study the detailed procedure below.

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Detailed instructions:

• Release the brakes from flattened tire
• If the flat is your back tire, lift the back wheel and downshift until the chain is on the bottom, or farthest chain ring on the rear cassette (right hand shifter)
• Release the wheel quick-release and undo just a little on the lever
• Lift the bike frame and pop the wheel off of the bicycle
• Hang bike if possible or set it down on the side without the chain, or turn upside down onto handlebars and saddle
• Find your tire lever and place under the tire bead, pull toward you to unbead the tire
• Start opposite the valve stem when pulling the tube out along the side
• Gently sweep the inside of tire to check for stickers or glass
• Blow a bit of air into the new, or patched tube (if presta valve) or use bike frame pump if available
• Beginning at valve stem, start re-seating the tube in the tire
• Grip and roll from front of tire to get the final portion of the tube reseated
• Pull back tire all the way around on both sides to make sure there is no threat of pinch-flat
• Find your CO2 (or begin pumping away with frame pump) and screw it onto the dispenser
• Do a little shot first and then release the entire contents of CO2 into tire
• Place (back) wheel between chains and put the pulley that is closest to front of bike onto the 1st chain ring and let it pop on.
• Remember to replace the tube soon if you patched and reused the flat tube
• Remember to keep the proper air pressure in your tires and especially after using CO2 as it dissipates quicker than air (road tire: 100-120psi)