How to fix a bike puncture
How to get the tyre off, find what caused the puncture, and either fit a new inner tube or patch the old one, at the roadside or at home.
- Time
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 8
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Tyre levers (plastic) Search Amazon for bike tyre levers
- Spare inner tube of the right size and valve type Search Amazon for bike inner tube
- Puncture repair kit (patches, glue, sandpaper) Search Amazon for bike puncture repair kit
- Bike pump that fits your valve type Search Amazon for bike pump presta schrader
- Spanner, if your wheels use axle nuts rather than quick-release
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Always reconnect the brakes and check the wheel is secure before riding. A loose wheel or disconnected brake is dangerous.
- Don't touch disc brake rotors after a ride: they can be very hot. Avoid getting oil or grease on them.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Get somewhere safe
Pull well off the road or path. Shift into the smallest rear sprocket if it's the back wheel. That makes it easier to remove and refit.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Release the brake and remove the wheel
On V-brakes, unhook the curved metal 'noodle' to open the brake. On calliper brakes, flip the small release lever. Disc brakes don't need releasing. Then open the quick-release lever or undo the axle nuts (or thru-axle) and take the wheel out. For a rear wheel, pull the derailleur back to free the chain.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Take the tyre off
Let out any remaining air. Opposite the valve, hook a tyre lever under the edge (bead) of the tyre and lever it over the rim. Clip that lever to a spoke, then insert a second lever about 5cm along and do the same. Slide it round until one side of the tyre is off. Push the valve up through the rim and pull out the tube.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Find the cause
This is the step people skip, and why they get another puncture straight away. Run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tyre and check the outside tread for glass, thorns, flints or wire. Remove anything you find. Check the rim tape covers all the spoke holes.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Fit a new tube
Put a little air in the new tube so it holds its shape. Push the valve through the rim hole, then tuck the tube inside the tyre all the way round. Starting at the valve, push the tyre bead back onto the rim with your thumbs, working round both sides. The last bit is tightest. Use your thumbs if possible, as levers can pinch the new tube.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Or patch the old tube
Pump up the tube to find the hole: listen, feel for air, or pass it through a bowl of water and watch for bubbles. Mark the spot. Roughen the area with the sandpaper, spread a thin layer of glue a bit bigger than the patch, and wait until it's tacky and touch-dry (check your kit's instructions, usually a few minutes). Press the patch on firmly and hold it, then refit the tube.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Check and inflate
Squeeze the tyre all the way round to check the tube isn't trapped between the tyre and rim. Inflate to the pressure printed on the tyre's sidewall, checking that the tyre is seated evenly on both sides.
Next: step 8 -
Step 8: Refit the wheel and brakes
Put the wheel back, centre it, tighten the quick-release or nuts securely, and reconnect the brakes. Spin the wheel and squeeze the brakes to check before you ride.
Tips
- Carry a spare tube on rides. It's quicker than patching at the roadside, and you can patch the old one at home.
- Check which valve you have: Presta (thin, with a small locknut) or Schrader (like a car valve). Your pump and spare tube must match.
- Puncture-resistant tyres and keeping tyres at the right pressure reduce punctures.
When to call a professional
A bike shop can help if the tyre is cut or worn through, the wheel is buckled, or you get repeated punctures with no obvious cause.
Questions people ask
Should I patch or replace the inner tube?
Either works. A new tube is faster at the roadside. Patching is cheaper and fine for small holes. Replace tubes with large splits or holes near the valve.
What pressure should my bike tyres be?
Look on the tyre sidewall for the recommended range, given in PSI and sometimes bar.
Why do I keep getting punctures?
Usually something is still stuck in the tyre, the rim tape is damaged, or tyres are under-inflated, which can cause 'snake bite' pinch punctures.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Cycling UK: video guide, how to repair a puncture on a bike (cyclinguk.org)
- Cycling UK: simple bike maintenance guides (cyclinguk.org)
- road.cc: how to repair a punctured inner tube (road.cc)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-fix-a-bike-puncture/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.