Thursday, February 28, 2008
Flats happen. One minute you’re pedaling along, and the next thing you know, your bike becomes sluggish and starts to wobble back and forth. The thwap-thwap-thwap of a flat tire means you’ll be spending the rest of your trip walking next to your bicycle.
But no worries: Changing a flat is a quick and easy procedure anyone can do. With the right tools and these easy steps, you’ll soon be back in the saddle again.
Tools needed: Air-Pump, patch kit or new inner tube and possibly a 15mm wrench and tire levers.
Step 1: Before you remove the wheel from the bike, start by disconnecting your bicycle’s brakes. This allows the wheel to clear the brake pads.
Step 2: There are two methods for securing a wheel to a bicycle: Quick-release axels use a cam and lever to secure the wheel to the frame; bolt-on axels use nuts that are tightened against the frame. If you have the former, flip open the quick-release, and the wheel will fall out. If you have the latter, you will need a wrench. Most use 15mm axel nuts. Loosen the axel nuts and remove the wheel.
Step 3: Pry the tire off the rim. Many times this can be done without the aid of tools. If you do need to use tools, don’t use a screwdriver or butter knife, as they can damage your tire and wheel. You can pick up a plastic tire lever from your local bike shop for $3-5. That’s less than it costs to have them change your flat. If you do need to use a tire lever, use it to pry the tire off the rim and remove the inner tube.
Step 4: Before installing a new tube, slowly run your hand along the inside of the tire to check for the cause of the flat. If you have a patch kit, use an air pump to re-inflate the tube and find the leak. If using a new inner tube, inflate the tube just enough to hold its shape, then mount the tube in the tire and the tire on the rim. Again, if it’s a snug fit you may have to use tire lever to remount the tire. Start by seating one side of the tire on the rim, then the other.
Step 5: Pump the tire up to full pressure—the recommended pressure is printed on the side of the tire. Reinstall the wheel in the frame and tighten your quick release or snug the axel bolts down. Make sure to reconnect your breaks.
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