Fix A Flat
Quit relying on Tri-Met to get you home when you get a flat! It's easy to fix them yourself.
- toolkit
- wrench to get your wheel off if you don't have a QR axle (quick release)
- spare tube(s)
- patch kit (replace glue yearly, it dries up)
- pump that will mate with your valve style (Presta or Schraeder)
- couple of bucks to use as a tire boot, JIC
- remove wheel
- wheel anatomy!
- axle
- hub
- spokes: keep wheel round, in one plane, and centered around the hub
- rim: has a lip to hold the tire bead in place
- remove tire
- start at valve side
- tube: replace or patch?
- inspect tire
- don't use your unprotected fingers! You'll cut yourself on the glass/thorn/fishhook that may still be in your tire.
- boot tire if it's torn
- inspect wheel
- rim tape, spokes
- insert your new or patched tube
- reseat tire - don't get tube stuck between tire & bead. (Characteristic puncture: looks like a snakebite.)
- reinflate tube
- reinstall wheel
RIDE!!!
Pro tip: Practice at home periodically* if you don't get to do this in the field.
* requires beer