How to Fix a Bike Flat without a Patch Kit
You're miles from home with a flat and reach for your trusty patch kit, but it's not there. Don't panic. Use these in-a-pinch tricks.
Up next in Bike Repair & Equipment (32 videos)
Every avid cyclist should know how to fix his bike; learn the basics in this video series.
You Will Need
- A sunglass strap
- Leaves or grass
Steps
-
Step 1
Remove the wheel
Turn your bike upside down and remove the wheel. Then use your hands or a bike handle to separate one side of the tire from the rim.
-
It's possible to fix a flat without removing the wheel, but much more difficult.
-
Step 2
Take out tube
Take out the deflated tube and determine the location of the hole.
-
Step 3
Use a sunglass strap
Wrap the strap from your sunglasses around the hole in the tube like a tourniquet, tying several knots around and next to the hole to create an airtight seal.
-
Step 4
Fill with leaves
Fill the tire with as many leaves as possible if you don't have a strap. If there are no leaves available, fill the tire with grass, molding the grass to the outer part of the tire and working inward.
-
Make sure to fill the tire completely and evenly with the leaves or grass.
-
Step 5
Replace wheel
Put the tire back onto the rim and replace the wheel.
-
Step 6
Ride home
Ride directly and slowly home to avoid damaging your rim. Remove all the leaves or grass before putting in a new tube.
-
Cycling has been an Olympic sport since 1896.
