Fixing a Puncture on an Inner Tube

The skill that stops a flat ending your ride. Learn to lift one bead with tire levers, pull the tube, then find what caused the hole before fitting anything new: run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tire, because a thorn or flint left in the casing will puncture the replacement within minutes. Fit the tube with a little air in it, line the valve up with the pressure label on the sidewall, and work the bead back by hand where you can, since levers can pinch the new tube. Check both sides for tube peeking out before pumping up. Carry a spare tube for speed and patch the holed one at home. Pre-glued patches are a stopgap; glue-on patches bond properly. A ripped tire can be booted to get home, but needs replacing.