Ride a Bike With a Flat Tire
Well, you didn't notice it in the garage, and now you're halfway to your destination on a flat tire. Bravo. Plan your strategy before this happens to you and you can possibly manage to make it to your destination without ruining your rims.
Contents
Steps
- Determine which tire is flat by looking, listening to your ride noises or even just squeezing the tires.
- Get off your bike and start walking.
- Follow these steps if you are in a situation where walking is not possible.
- Pedal in a rhythmic pattern. Pedal, pedal pedal, and then lift off the seat and lean forward or back on the opposite direction of the flat tire.
- As soon as you feel you are close enough to your destination to walk, do. It's bad enough to shred the rubber tire and inner tube, but it's a lot more expensive to replace the entire wheel.
Tips
- Keep a patch kit, spare tube and frame pump on the bike.
- Air up your tires before each ride.
- Use "flatness" or "puncture proof" tires. Some tires come with a layer of gel that traps smaller sharp objects before they can reach the inner tube.
- If punctures become a serious problem, consider getting tire liners or running tubeless tires.
Warnings
- Do not head out on a flat tire unless you aim to replace the wheels.
- Even "puncture proof" tires won't stop a well placed nail or screw.
