How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Bicycle

[@johnbouttell5827]

I've been patching tubes for years but never thought to use a plastic tyre lever to enhance the bonding process. That's a good tip. Thanks. My only advice: go around the inside of the tyre with your finger tip to make sure there's no glass in the tyre.

[@woodywoodverchecker]

Not if you actually love patching tubes!

[@gigimezzio2896]

Agreed. I also like the fact that you used plastic tyre lever. I also bought a 100 pack of the Rema TT patches and 8 oz. can of the vulcanizing glue with the brush. thanks for posting.

[@slice-o-life]

I just hope that plastic idea is not a bad one as in easily coming off but since it will be in the bike tire it should be OK when riding on it I guess.

[@specialized29er86]

I'm old school and back in the 60's and 70's we had the burn on patches and they were 100% perfect on every puncture.

[@mjenk20236]

I carry the head of a disposable razor in my patch kit to shave down the ridges left by the tube molds. It's faster than sanding. I replace glue tubes at the beginning of the season as sometimes even unopened tubes dry up.

[@cccorlew]

Russ, I was relieved to find we've hit on the same methods. I have one variation. I use a silver Sharpie to make my X. I lost the ballpoint pen mark too many times. Also, Tricia came up with the idea to try a loose knot in flats so we can keep the good tubes straight from the need a patch tubes. Great video, which I shall pass on.

[@johneric3886]

I might have comment on this video already a few months back, but I did have my father watch it because he currently has a flat. I expressed how impressed I am with you and your verbal skills as well as your good nature. I also told my father that I really like the creative name of your Channel the path less pedaled.......because you asked any suggestions that people do that you did not mention. The only one I could think of is that I sometimes use baby powder around the tube before I insert it into the tire, so I do not get pinch flats from the friction between the two rubber services.

[@DavidPulsipher]

I like your method of using the tire lever. I'm gonna do it too. One thing I do (I patch at home) is use my wife's hair dryer to make the glue really tacky and sticky. Just blast it for a few seconds. Works like a charm.

[@roaduser6438]

Two extra things to add to the process. 1. Put chalk over any excess glue to stop it sticking where it shouldn't, or damaging the tyre wall. 2. If you have more than one inner tube, replace the punctured and repaired inner tube with the spare inner tube. Leave the repaired tube to cure for longer and to achieve a stronger bond before the tube is put into use.

[@greatestunknown]

6 years later and this video is still helping people. I'm going to follow your tips. Only I bought a tire patch roller on Amazon for about $5 which really helps.

[@johneric3886]

You're such a great guy. I did recently cycle from Northeast Ohio to Cumberland Maryland. Know that you and other cycling channels are great motivation to me. _________ To be honest with you whenever I got a flat I used to just throw away my old too because I felt it was too risky to put it back in there that had a patch on it........ But you have motivated me to start patching my tires again, like I used to when I was a youth; I did purchase the brand of patches that you recommended. _______[When ever I have a flat I always rewatch this video to make sure I'm doing everything the way you recommended. ]

[@MrHockaluger]

Yep, that's how I patch tubes. Tried the glueless ones. Only good as a temp fix as they do peel away after a couple months. However, best solution for flats for me has been going tubeless. I dont really mind fixing flats but as an early morning commuter and morning shift supervisor, I can't afford to get a flat. Tubeless on my mtb has been a godsend.

[@jagerjf01]

Great! Also love fixing tubes here. Rema TipTop will do the job perfectly. We have Simson kits here as well. Love the help of the tools to apply the patch, smart. I do divide the glue on the tube by finger. Will leave an equal film al over the hole. Also, as someone already said before, check the tire for glass etc. I personally do not like to leave the plastic behind, but have always wondered if it is necessary to remove it. Because it is a bit of a hassle to do so. Gues there's no harm in leaving it attached. 👌🚴

[@rossmurray286]

I used to cut the patches into halves and even quarters for small holes. Worked great and good way to stretch patch supply when running low.

[@manoz6194]

I've used several different patch kits and REMA is the best, good choice sir!

[@keltieem]

Nice video! As a novice I am also interested in learning how to take the rim off the bike and the tire off/on the rim. I’ll look to see if you have another video. :)

[@felipecampos4214]

This was clear, straight to the point and graphic enough to leave no doubts. Thanks man

[@fadilxheka1232]

Good vid. The only thing that I would add is to check the tyre for any tiny sharp objects. Cause I once patched a tube and experienced another flat, later to discovered a thorn in the tyre.

[@mr.bianchirider8126]

I usually use a new tube on the road and patch the bad one at home. My patches are cheapies from China and the adhesive is a bottle of rubber cement. Those small tubes dry up in a few months after opening. I save it if I get two flats on a ride, which has happened. The glueless patches work as a temporary fix at best. I like to use an empty beer bottle to rub down the patch. Sometimes it takes two or three bottles to properly fix it.

[@johnnyle5999]

Check your tire before putting the tube back in.

[@pedrofskymtb]

Very important step right here.

[@loveworksnoevil]

Yup, run hands through tire slowly, check for holes with wires also

[@davekoch4335]

Cleaning it with rubbing alcohol ?

[@Baphalope]

Lay the tire over the wheel on the ground and remember it’s position in relation to the tube. It helps if you match the valve to valve hole in the rim. That way when you find the puncture, you know where you might find something sharp still stuck in that exact part of the tire.

[@niecolemiddleton6224]

Thank youuuuu I've watched 10 videos on 2021 and your video helped me the best💗🔥🙌

[@geodoug]

Thanks for the video! Can’t believe I never thought of just leaving the plastic on. I think there might be something to say about dusting the rubber off after sanding things down. Good point about the seams! Have you noticed there are temperatures where the compound won’t work? I’m fixing a patch I know I did a bit too quick in the cold. It’s a fall morning and I’m hoping not to make the same mistake twice

[@RubikFan]

Thank you so much! Watched your video, and immediately went to Amazon and got some. They're AWESOME! Just like you! Thanks again for saving me the cost of a new tire (X1000)

[@arthurmarks3763]

I would recommend marking the tire to the valve stem before removal. Then mark the tube with the tire, So when you find a hole in the tube you know where to look on the tire for the cause of the hole

[@jopevutevute5332]

Thank you for your video its really helpful but where can we get the patch kit?

[@heatherrevezzo]

Great video! I appreciate it is to the point, step-by-step and found it very helpful. I had a general idea of how to do this, but not actually having done it before I needed some guidance.

[@johnnydwicked]

I cut up old tubes into many patches and size and use that as my tube patch. :)

[@thedistance1155]

Does it work???

[@johnnydwicked]

@@thedistance1155 for me, yes

[@UncleP-u2k]

i wish I could do that. I don't get half success when I try it. Whats your secret? @@johnnydwicked

[@mediumrick7667]

If I'm riding with friends I'll usually just quickly put in a new tube so we can get back on the ride ASAP. I'll patch it later when I get home. If I'm alone, I'll often patch the tube right there on the spot. And if I can easily find the puncture, sometimes I'll leave the wheel on the bike and remove just enough of the tube to patch the hole. Makes for a quicker and simpler repair. Always check the inside of the tire for any of the leftover offender, of course.

[@simonsays2157]

Great thank you. the Rema kit instructions does not mention to let the glue dry before applying the patch. What’s the best solution to remove glue residue from failed patch application? (ie on wet glue). Also, how long should one wait to inflate the tire? The patching kit from Park Tool has better instructions and a smaller round patch which I found easier to apply on skinny road bike tubes.

[@99NZNick]

If you do decide to remove the plastic film, so you don't risk lifting the edge of the patch, you can tear the film through the middle of the patch by stretching it across the center of the patch, then peel it towards the outside.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I run tubeless so I only need to patch tubes in a secondary back up situation where my tire won’t seal with a bacon 🥓 strip plug. When I get back home I remove the plug and patch the inside of my tires with a patch in similar fashion but have always lit 🔥 the glue on fire for a few seconds before I blow out and place the patch. I’m not sure if that’s correct but have always done it this way. Since tires are not easy to hold patches I use a vise or c-clamps to hold the patch against my tire firmly for at least 5-10 minutes prior to unclamping and visually checking the edges. Tires are crazy expensive and I try to get as much life out of them as possible. I’ve also used gorilla 🦍 tape or duck 🦆 tape on occasions.

[@edcatt9196]

Before re-installing the patched tube, I run my finger tips all the way around the inside of the tire wall, just to make sure there's no thorns or other items that will create a new leak in the patched tube. Then I'm ready to re-install the tube into the tire and head down the road.

[@manannanmaclir1740]

Thank you, the mystery of patching is resolved!

[@leofri7459]

Hi can I use that on a air mattress little hole ???🙏

[@devianb]

I use a yellow or white paint marker to circle the puncture. Also love the Rema patches.

[@alijumc]

Third video and searched video good job. Other youtubers please change fix for replacing the rubber.

[@calvinmientke3539]

Mark the side of the valve and the sidewall of the tire to compare the position of the puncture to the tire. I've watched "pro" instructions and I agree with YOUR marking with the BIG x. There is enough aggravation without losing the puncture. And it is raining, right?

[@clerissonmesquita]

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

[@Cholo5730]

. . . any suggestions for removing patch from the foil?

[@wackedoutdude]

The best kit ive used is weldtite cure-c-cure. They don't use backing plastic, they use paper and you just wet it, if its being stubborn to remove. I usually use the cheapest though.

[@DrDrew1979]

I am never able to actually wait those 2 mins... Apply the patch in luke a minute! ;) So far, so good.

[@Appleblade]

So... the ink from that giant X is scrubbed off by the sanding, right? Because it seems that ink would interfere with the glue-rubber bond.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It doesn’t interfere.

[@g.fortin3228]

I also add some powder to the tube before slipping it back into the tire. lets it straighten out easier in there. pump it a little, let the air back out the tube might slip/straighten further, and then pump it up for good.

[@dudeonbike800]

Talcum powder is great for all tire/tube combinations. However, talc is getting some bad press lately, so you may not be able to find it. But you need talc. Other powders will cause problems. Corn starch baby powder is one to avoid.

[@kathrynjane2923]

@@dudeonbike800 on my new bike purchase (a first for me) there was like some kind of sawdust like substance that came between the tube and tyre

[@kevinrickey3925]

Nice video, Really Good Video actually. Your advise is right on the mark, it made me a better patcher.. and I'm doing a tube right now. Kudos!!

[@mtadams2009]

I used to patch as I get more than my share of flats, so much so that I went to tube less, problem solved. Good video, thanks

[@billzielke6798]

Very helpful. Thanks. I enjoy your videos a lot.

[@wmlarch]

Nice, the one problem with the Rema round patches is when you get a snake bite with 2 holes and the holes are just far apart enough that one patch will not cover both! I had to cut one in half and space them apart enough to patch both holes.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

+wmlarch the touring patches come with longer ones for snake bites.

[@adamblumenthal99]

I use a silver Sharpie marker to draw the "X." Super easy to mark and find.

[@Chungustav]

The tubes of patch adhesive dry up fast so make sure to get a new tube. Don't expect that tube to not be dired up when you need it if it was opened

[@charleschi843]

Why do the pack instructions not say to wait after glue is applied?

[@BobMaulucci]

Rema are the best in my opinion, too. Thanks for the video.

[@stevepetttyjohn7900]

Definitely remove the plastic on the top of the patch. Easy to do by pinching at the top. Then aply baby powder to whole tube so it can easily move into the correct position when inflating and won't pinch. If at home or shop; inflate and release air twice to settle correctly.

[@CentristRN]

Steve Petttyjohn YEP. Thats the pro tip. Pinching splits it on center so you’re not peeling up your patch edge.

[@henrikjonsson4340]

When you have to many repairs on the same spot it will be time to change the tube I think because it will be a bumpy ride otherwise. Also I dont know if there are quite the same quality to glue a repair on an old one. Anybody? Even if you sandpaper it down? What is the repair patch made of more than rubber? Sometimes I see that it the repair itself higher a bit cause of the air going underneath. Is that the bad quality repair or the glue itself?

[@allenbishop9154]

Always check the inside of the tire before putting the tube back in, nothing worse than putting it all back together and then having to patch the tube AGAIN, right away. Make a mark on the tire lining up with the stem so you can focus your search in the area where the hole in the tube is.

[@amadeusb4]

The Rema link provided shows a patch kit for nearly $6! That's a crazy price considering that the Lezyne or Park patch kits cost half that and standard local bike shop patch kits can be bought for $2. There's really nothing special to them. You're just gluing rubber to rubber. In fact, you can take old tubes and cut them up to make new patches, then buy a tube of rubber cement. An ugly and bumpy solution but works when you're out of patch kits.

[@abigrunner209]

Many are concerned about the plastic seal. On a different vid someone actually glued out past where the plastic would adhere and glued it down also... are we removing something that can help us?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I just leave it on sometimes.

[@dudeonbike800]

The glue isn't really glue. It's vulcanizing fluid designed to molecularly bond butyl rubber. It shouldn't "glue" the plastic to the tube with much strength. Peel the plastic and toss it. Talc is great.

[@falcoperegrinus82]

After patching, inflate the tube and look listen for other punctures. Also, before reinstalling the tube, make sure you inspect the inside of the tire and remove any embedded sharp objects or else you'll likely have another flat very soon.

[@BustedLeaf]

good tip

[@MarcMallary]

I use the head of a disposable razor, to shave off the seam ridges. I remove the razor handle from the head and carry it in the patch kit. It's like a little block plane.Rima is best.

[@dezdawg7126]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@tedder42]

I'll often collect tubes until I have a half-dozen or so, then patch 'em while watching TV. And to hold the patch, I squeeze it together, like if my hands were a c-clamp.

[@stopthatmark]

how do you store your patched tubes? is it better to leave them a little inflated (thereby keeping the round shape similar to what it would be like when installed in your tire)? or is it better to only patch the tube right before you're about to install them into your tire? @pathlesspedaled if you have any insight into this as well, would appreciate hearing!

[@Assimilator702]

Mark Viloria There’s no harm in removing all the air and rolling them up. If a repair will last when air is in the tube and installed in a tire the repair will also be fine when in an unused tube ready and waiting for it’s time to be used.

[@noureddinezorgui]

How do you detect the whole in the tube?

[@kathrynjane2923]

if you can't find it visually, you can put the tube semi-inflated under water. then you will clearly see the stream of bubbles emitting from where the hole is.

[@PAULHANSBURY]

You could spend some time describing the process of deciding which side of the patch is the proper side.

[@k3lee]

Those boxes of 100 patches don't come with glue. You can buy a big bottle of patch glue with a handy brush applicator for a few dollars at auto parts stores.

[@amongstedibles5159]

You missed this step. After applying the glue, whip out ur bic lighter and light glued area - but only for a second or 2. Blow out flame and patch is now ready to apply. In fact it usually applies extra greatly this way Cheers

[@FilthyAsFuck]

Working as bikemechanic, patching tubes the best way is to use heptane (that's the word I could find that made most sense, it's called rensebenzin in danish) on a papertowel, and rinsing the tube, thin layer of glue, TipTop patch and you are clear! Of course carrying a bottle of heptane/rinsing alcohol when you are out riding is not optimal! :)

[@jorgeherrera4194]

dont see the link

[@antistat8756]

Go round the inside/outside of the tire to make sure whatever poped your tire is removed!

[@ianmackenzie686]

Dang! I guy who loves patching bike tubes? I wish you lived near me. If buy you a few beers each tire you patched for me. I hate doing it!

[@michaelf5565]

thank you. patching later.

[@Do_not_assume]

How do you know the patch has completely glued properly to the inner tube without removing the plastic film? You don't. I remove the stupid plastic film first then patch and check that all sides of the patch is properly glued down.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Uh. You can check it while pressing it down. The plastic film exists so you don’t get the vulcanizing glue everywhere and it will glue down fine with it still attached. This is literally one of the dumbest things to get upset about.

[@Do_not_assume]

@@PathLessPedaledTV When I repaired my puncture last week the patch didn't completely glue to the tube. I tried taking off the plastic film but the whole patch came off. And I'm sure the patch wasn't on properly from the beginning. Then I started with another patch, removed the film and then glued it on checking all sides were firmly attached. I know it sounds trivial but I hate that film and the best method for me is to remove that damn film from the beginning. Thanks for your help though. Btw, can I use an old inner tube as a patch?

[@dgoodger]

1. Bike-shop standards before/during installation: * Center the valve on the manufacturer's logo on the tire. * Using a Sharpie type marker (silver ones work great), mark the tube with an arrow pointing along the direction of rotation (forward at the top, backward at the bottom). * Mark the tire sidewall at the valve position. Do this so that when there's a flat, after you find the hole in the tube you can determine the corresponding position on the tire. 2. Determine where the puncture is on the tube: * Visual inspection * Inflate & listen for a hiss. * Inflate & use your lips to feel the escaping air. * Immerse the inflated tube in soapy water. 3. Look at the position on the tire corresponding to the puncture on the tube: * Visual inspection outside & inside. * Run your fingers lightly along the inside and feel for the foreign material. Caution: it may be very sharp, so be careful! * Run a tissue along the inside and look for snags. 4. Determine the cause of the puncture (typically a piece of glass or a fine wire). Remove it!

[@selinad.4653]

The video was useful, but shouldn't you add some dry stuff onto the glue so it doesn't stick on the tire?

[@TheAegisClaw]

Been using Park glueless pat he's for 20 years now...

[@johnzarn3367]

I didn't see the link?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

+John Zarn in the description text of the vid.

[@leeob4853]

Step 1 is finding the hole? Can be a major pain without pump and water

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Not that hard if u inflate the tube and use your lips to find the leak.

[@supremegauntlet1595]

You missed showing the best way finding the hole in the inner tube.

[@Assimilator702]

Rema Tip Top or Park Tool patchers. I buy my own can of rubber cement.

[@kevp3011]

The only thing you can glue and it properly sticks

[@sir_lander]

Always the cheapest one with glue, tried the glue less but are awful specially with high psi like my Brompton. I recommend the glue less only to people who ride between 40 and 60 psi.

[@truthsayer8918]

i set it on fire?

[@KLincolnTexas]

If you use a permanent magic marker.The sand paper will not completely remove it....

[@curtbrown7967]

Hold your mouth right and say a little prayer to the rubber gods.

[@snaggletooth4585]

When there is steam coming off it you know it’s an outdoor one.

[@UncleP-u2k]

Sorry.....your sand job doesnt pass muster in my book! Use Wrap, Stretch, and Poke method for sanding! There shouldnt be a white line at the base of the rib. Thats proof of poor sanding. The air can leak out the hole to the rib.....then leak along the rib to the edge of the patch! There goes your patch job! Make sure you sand all the ribs around your puncture nice and flat and you'll be good!

[@billd7380]

DJ

[@billd7380]

What about checking the inside of the tire for the source of the flat?

[@wmlarch]

Also, today with the advent of sealant and tubeless tires, patching may soon be a thing of the past.

[@pedrofskymtb]

Meh.. that is until you ride with high pressures (such as pressures of road cycling tires) and the tire just spits goo till it reaches a pressure low enough that enables the sealant to do its job.

[@eugvh18]

i wish you can fix my flat tire cutie

[@jakemarple3147]

Tubeless 👍🏻

[@dudeonbike800]

Tubeless is NOT the answer for the vast majority of cyclists around the world. The biggest drawback is tire deflation. Most people already have trouble keeping their tires inflated properly. And that's with inner tubes that hold air far longer. Tubeless tires leak down WAY faster and that's a big drawback. The bike industry has basically admitted as much by delivering all tubeless ready bikes to shops WITH INNER TUBES! Why? Because your LBS doesn't want to have to re-inflate the tires on EVERY SINGLE BIKE ON THE SALES FLOOR every single week to keep their stock functional! So for the average Joe or Jill, having a garage full of bikes with flat tires means they won't ride their bikes. Or when they do, they'll be riding squishy, underinflated tires. It's already an issue and 100% tubeless would only make it far worse. But for those of us who have had no trouble using floor pumps or have the advantage of a compressor with both valve fittings at the ready, tubeless tires are easy to maintain and ride. And on the trail, tubeless can't be beat.