How to Fix a Flat Tyre: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Q: What do I need to carry to fix a flat tyre?

A spare inner tube (or a puncture repair kit), a set of tyre levers, and a way to inflate the tyre — either a compact hand pump or a CO2 inflator. Together these fit easily in a small saddle bag and cover almost every roadside puncture.

Q: How long does it take to fix a flat tyre?

With practice, swapping a tube takes about 5-10 minutes roadside. Your first couple of attempts will likely take longer — it's worth practising once at home in no rush, rather than learning for the first time on the side of a road.

Q: Should I replace the tube or patch it?

Roadside, swapping in a fresh tube is faster and more reliable than patching, since a patch needs a clean, dry surface and time to set. Save the punctured tube to patch or replace at home later, and always carry a spare rather than relying on patching alone.

Q: Why do I keep getting flat tyres?

Repeated flats usually point to underinflated tyres, a worn tyre with thin tread, or debris left inside the tyre after the last repair. Check tyre pressure regularly and run a finger carefully around the inside of the tyre after any puncture before fitting a new tube.

September 25, 2026

How to Fix a Flat Tyre: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Quick answer: Remove the wheel, lever the tyre off one side, pull out the punctured tube, check the tyre inside for the culprit, fit a new tube, and reinflate. Carrying a spare tube, tyre levers and a pump means most flats cost you 10 minutes, not the end of your ride.

A flat tyre is one of the most common things that happens on a bike, and one of the easiest to fix once you've done it a couple of times. Here's the process broken down simply.

Step 1: Remove the Wheel

Flip the bike upside down or use a stand, then release the brake if needed and undo the quick-release or thru-axle to remove the wheel. Note which way the wheel faces so it goes back on correctly, especially on the rear where the chain and gears are involved.

Step 2: Lever the Tyre Off One Side

Deflate the tyre fully if it isn't already flat, then slide a tyre lever under the bead and hook it onto a spoke. Work a second lever around the rim a short distance away to pop the tyre bead off one side of the rim — you only need one side off, not the whole tyre.

Step 3: Remove the Tube and Find the Cause

Pull the punctured tube out and run a finger carefully around the inside of the tyre, checking for the thorn, glass or wire that caused the flat. Skipping this step is how you end up with a second flat five minutes after fixing the first.

Step 4: Fit the New Tube and Reinflate

Partially inflate the new tube so it holds its shape, tuck it inside the tyre, then work the tyre bead back onto the rim by hand, finishing with the levers only if needed. Inflate to your normal pressure, spin the wheel to check it's seated evenly, and refit it to the bike.

TOPUMP TB2 Pro Mini Electric Bike Pump — 120PSI$95.00

ROCKBROS Multifunction Tyre Repair Tool Kit$25.00

RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube — Ultralight$22.00

Practise Once, Before You Need To

The single best thing you can do is fix one flat at home, with no time pressure, before you ever need to do it on the side of a road. It turns a stressful first attempt into a five-minute routine the next time it happens.