Roadside Repair: Tire and Inner-tube Replacement

Flats are inevitable. At some point you, or someone that you are riding with, will be riding along and then PSST-PSST-PSST-PSST. You have a flat. This is not a problem. as long as you have a few simple tools and you know how to use them. Here is a simple tutorial to walk you through repairing a flat and getting back on the road in no time. (If you've never changed a tire before, you should practice at home, before riding.)

Note: If you have an older bike or single speed, chances are that your wheels are held on with a nut & bolt system and not a 'quick-release', so you'll need a wrench to remove the wheel. I would recommend a pocket wrench like the Surly Jethro Tool. Its small, lightweight and fits in your jersey pockets. (Again, make sure that you try to loosen and tighten the nut at home before your ride. The side of the highway is not the place where you want to discover that they are rusted tight!)