Repair a Puncture

Got a flat? No worries – we've all been there. Whether you’re out for a Sunday spin or mid-commute, a puncture doesn't have to put a stop to your ride. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you sort it out and get back on the road in no time.

1. Take Your Wheel Off

First things first – you’ll need to remove the wheel from your bike to get to the inner tube.

• Rear wheel? Shift into the smallest cog (that’s your hardest gear) – this makes things a lot easier.

• Quick-release wheels? Open up the quick release on the skewer. If you’ve got rim brakes, don’t forget to release those too.

• Bolt-through axles or no quick-release? You’ll need a spanner or a hex key to remove the wheel.

• Front wheel tip: Be gentle when lowering the forks onto the ground – especially if they’re carbon. We don’t want any accidental damage.

• Rear wheel: Pull the derailleur back slightly to free the chain and ease the wheel out carefully. Keep an eye on those spokes and the frame.

2. Let the Air Out

Even if the tyre’s gone flat, there’s often still a bit of air hanging in there.

• Schrader valve (like car tyres)? Press the pin inside to let the air out.

• Presta valve (long and slim)? Unscrew the locknut at the top and press down to release the air.

• Take off the dust cap if there is one.

3. Unseat One Side of the Tyre

To get to the inner tube, you’ll need to remove just one side of the tyre from the rim.

• Start opposite the valve and slide a tyre lever under the tyre bead.

• Hook it onto a spoke to hold it in place – don’t worry, the spoke will be fine.

• Insert a second lever and gently work it around the rim to loosen the tyre.

• Some tighter tyres might need a third lever. Work your way around until one side is fully off.

4. Remove the Inner Tube and Find the Puncture

Take the tube out, but don’t just toss it in your pocket just yet – it’s worth finding out what caused the puncture.

• Inflate the tube slightly to locate the hole.

• Struggling? Pop it in water – bubbles will show you the leak. No water? Use your lips – they’re sensitive enough to feel escaping air.

• Line up the puncture with the valve hole to help locate where it might have come from inside the tyre.

• Check the tyre thoroughly – inside and out. Use your fingers, but do so carefully in case there's something sharp still lodged in there.

5. Fix the Puncture (If You’re Not Replacing It)

If you're planning to patch the tube, here's how:

• Lightly roughen the area around the hole with sandpaper (usually included in your repair kit).

• Apply glue (unless you're using self-adhesive patches), stick the patch on, and let it dry.

• Inflate it slightly to check it’s holding air.

Even if you don’t fancy fixing it roadside, stash the tube and repair it later – or recycle it.

6. Insert the New or Repaired Tube

Time to pop the tube back in.

• Insert the valve through the hole first. If it's a Presta valve, you can use the small nut to keep it in place (not too tight, mind).

• Tuck the rest of the tube into the tyre, starting near the valve and working your way round.

• Add a puff of air to help the tube hold its shape – it’ll go in more easily.

7. Reseat the Tyre

Starting at the valve, push the tyre bead back onto the rim.

• Work your way around using just your thumbs if you can.

• Watch out – make sure the inner tube doesn’t get caught between the tyre and rim.

• If it’s a tight fit, your tyre levers can help, but use them gently.

8. Inflate the Tyre

You're nearly there!

• Inflate the tyre gradually, checking that it’s seated properly all the way round.

• Pump it up to the recommended pressure (you’ll find that on the tyre’s sidewall).

• Got CO2? Feel free to use it – just watch those fingers, as the cartridge can get chilly.

Once you’re up to pressure, pop the wheel back on:

• Tighten up your quick-release or axle bolts.

• Reconnect your brakes (if needed).

• Give the wheel a spin to check everything’s in place and your brake’s working as it should.

And that’s it – job done! Whether you’re at the roadside or in your shed, fixing a puncture is a handy skill to have in your cycling toolkit. With a bit of practice, you’ll be back on your bike in no time.