Got a flat?

 

Removing the tire: 

  1. Let remaining air out of tube.
     
  2. Press down on side of tire all the way around wheel to separate tire bead from rim.
     
  3. Insert tire lever or Quik Stik (preferred tool) with groove side up under tire bead.
     
  4. Angle tire lever down toward spokes and push or pull tire lever down towards spokes (parallel with spokes) and around the rim until the tire bead is off the rim.  One needs to only remove one side of the tire off the rim.
     
  5. Search for the culprit that caused the tube puncture.  Visually look for as well as run your hand  (carefully)  around the inside of the tire to find the thorn, sticker, glass, etc.  A sharp instrument helps to pick out the object.

 

 Remounting the tire: 

1.  Inflate new tube slightly to hold its shape, then insert valve stem through valve hole in rim.  Tuck tube into the tire, working it in around the tire.

2.  Starting near the valve stem, push as much of the tire on the rim as possible.

3.  Insert tire lever between tire and rim, groove side up of the lever.

4.  Push or pull tire lever around wheel until tire is completely on the rim.  When possible use your hands and thumbs to reinstall the tire. It helps to keep the tire lever parallel to the spokes as you work your way around.

5.  Make sure the valve stem is straight and reinflate tire in stages, not all at once, to make sure there are no high or low spots of the tire bead.  If high or low spots are found adjust accordingly before continuing to inflate to recommend pressure (see the other tech tip on tire pressures).