The perfect bike ride is ruined when your tire goes flat. Here is something to know: walking your bike home is not very encouraging. But do not be in despair! You can patch up a punctured tire and get back on the road quickly, painlessly, and with minimal effort with the help of pick-up services. A bike pick up service can help you carry your bike when you can not. But before that, you can try these tips.
Get pumped.
If you have a flat tire and don’t have the right equipment to deal with it, your best option is to find help, either by an expert happening to be around you or by a bike pick up service. But if you’re on your own, or the nearest bike shop is miles away, and there’s no way in hell you’re walking back, here’s what to do:
If you’ve got a pump on hand—and this goes for both mountain and road bikes—it’s time for action. Use the pump to inflate your tires until they feel firm yet supple again. If there are multiple valves (the little knobs that allow air into the tube), open each one as wide as possible so that all the air gets pushed out of them when pumping up again. Once all tires have been inflated, check them over carefully to ensure there aren’t any leaks before continuing.
Steps to replacing your tire:
Lubricate the rim.
To lubricate a rim:
- Apply a thin layer of grease to each spoke nipple.
- Gently rotate the wheel while applying pressure to spread the oil evenly.
- Use a clean rag to wipe off any excess fat.
Clean away dirt or debris from your rim and brake pads with rags or paper towels.
Remove the nut.
Remove the nut from your wheel by using a wrench or pliers. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can use your hands to unscrew it by hand. Be careful not to scratch or damage the rim, as this will cause your bike to lose air pressure faster than usual and may result in additional problems down the road.
Remove the tube.
- Remove the valve stem by compressing it and twisting it counterclockwise.
- Remove the tire by unscrewing its bead from one side of the rim to another, then lifting it on one side of the tire until it passes over the edge and is out of place.
Inspect the tire.
Inspect the tire. If you can see a chunk of glass or any other debris, remove it.
Replace the tube.
Replace the tube. Having a tube on hand is always good in preparation for flat tires. Make sure you buy one the same size as your current inner tube and ensure it has an even number of layers (typically 2 or 3), or if you’re a newbie or unaware of how you may do so, it is best to call a bike pick up service for further assistance.
Pump up your tire.
After removing the valve cap from your tire and putting on a new inner tube, inflate the flat tire with a pump. Find a pump that is designed for bike tires. You want to use something other than an old car or home-use pump that may not be suitable for inflating a bike tire. Also, avoid using hand pumps (like those used in swimming pools).
