1. Check to see if you actually have a leak!
Even perfectly good bike tires lose pressure over time. Try pumping up your flat — it might just hold air.2. Got a leak? You’re gonna need some more tools.
Head to the garage or the nearest tool library and get an adjustable wrench or multitool, a patch kit, and some tire levers. PETER’S PRO TIP: Bring these with you in a tool kit when you ride, and add some emergency provisions — my go-to combo, you ask? Blueberry KIND bars*, gummy bears, and a spare $20.3. Take the wheel off the bike.
You’ll probably need to unhook your brake cable first — and you may need that wrench. PETER’S PRO TIP: If the rear tire is flat, put the chain on the smallest ring before taking the wheel off. Otherwise, you’ll be in a world of hurt. Not that I would know!4. Let any remaining pressure out of the tire.
Just press the pin at the tip of the valve. You may need to remove a cap, or unscrew the valve tip, first.5. Remove the tire from the rim.
This is where those tire levers come in handy.6. Remove the inner tube from inside the tire.
The tube is what’s leaking, but check to be sure the sharp thing that popped the tube isn’t still lodged in the tire.7. Locate the leak.
Pump the tube full of air. If you don’t hear air hissing out, stick the tube in a sink full of water and look for the bubbles!8. Patch that sucker!
There are a couple of different types of patches — just follow the directions in the kit. PETER’S PRO TIP: If your patches are the ones that require glue, you have to let the glue dry before you put the patch on. It’s strange, I know. But it’s the perfect time to eat that KIND bar you packed!9. Reverse steps 3-6!
The tire levers will help get the tire back on the rim. Careful not to pinch the tube between the two. PETER’S PRO TIP: Put some air into the inner tube before you put it back into the tire — that’ll help keep it from being pinched between the tire and the rim. Plus, you can hula hoop with it!10. Ride off into the sunset
If all goes according to plan, you should be smug and proud and pleased with your supremely competent self. Just pulease, put the tools away first! Still confused? The interwebs are full of how-to videos, including this one starring a guy with a really fantastic accent. If all else fails, swallow your pride and ask for help. Many bike shops and clubs have workshops for beginners. Just remember, you don’t have to fix it alone. *Editor’s note: Grist is not sponsored by KIND Bars… Yet. If you read this, KINDlings, KINDadians, or whoever you are, please email. (And send over a few almond & coconut bars while you’re at it.)This story was originally published by Grist with the headline It’s National Bike Month. Don’t let a flat tire deflate your spirits on May 22, 2019.