|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Mountain Bike |
How do I fix a flat tire on a mountain bike? |
How do I fix a flat tire on a mountain bike? You need to make a trip to your local bike shop, hardware store or department store. There you need a tire repair kit. Some things this kit should have are: Rubber cement Patches sandpaper or a scrapper Tire levers (one end that is tapered and slightly curved. The other end is usually hooked so that it can be hooked around a spoke) Start by removing the wheel. Now you need to remove the tire from the rim. Start at the point opposite the valve. Sometimes you can slghtly lift and pull the tire sideways off the rim. If that doesn't work, slide a lever between the tire and the rim and pull the lever down and hook it around the spoke. Use the other levers to work the tire loose till you can remove the tire and tube from the rim. Be careful not to pinch the tube with the lever or you'll create more leaks. Remove the tube and inspect the tire. You are looking to see if there is anything like a tack or glass in the tire that caused it to go flat. If so remove it or fixing the flat will be useless. Also look to see if the tire is damaged. If you have a hole or tear in the tire you need to replace it. Now for the tube. Get a bucket 1/2 full of water. Pump the tube full of air and submerge the tube in the water, at the valve, slowly turning it looking for air bubbles. Once you locate all the bubbles remove the tube and dry it off around the leak. If you have more then 2 leaks you should replace the tube. I never patch a tube any more then 2-3 times. Rough up the rubber around the hole with sand paper or the scrapper. Make sure you rough up an area slightly larger then the patch you intend to use. Spread some rubber cement in a thin layer on the tube. Peel the protection off the patch being careful not to touch the surface of the patch. Place the patch onto the cement on the tube and rub it onto the tube till the pach is firmly in place. A tire lever works good for that. Remove the top protection (If present). Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the cement to cure. (Read the cement to make sure of the set up time) Check it again with the water to see if you got the leaks patched. Release air from tube. Put tube in tire and tire back on rim starting at the valve and working both sides away from the valve onto the rim. Do not twist the valve sideways while doing this. The valve should remain straight with the spokes. Near the end you might need to use the tire levers to finish putting the rest of the tire back on the rim. Once you have the tire back on the rim pump it up and listen for escaping air. If you hear none put your wheel back on your bike. |
| Tags |
| Kids Bike Schwinn Bike Cruiser Bike Road Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |