How to Fix a Flat on a Tubeless Tire With a Tube

The improvement in the design of tubeless-ready bicycle rims and tires has led to more cyclists using this system. The use of tubeless tires is extremely popular in mountain biking where flats have a higher probability to occur. Wheel manufacturing companies such as Bontrager, Mavic and Shimano are some of the largest companies advancing this technology. Tubeless tires use a sealant to close up any punctures that may occur while riding, but can fall short when there are larger holes or slashes made in the tire. In this case the use of an inner tube can be utilized.

Things You'll Need

  • Inner tube
  • Tire pump
  • Tire lever set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the wheel with the punctured tire from the bike by releasing the quick release skewer. Flip the lever on the skewer and loosen the acorn nut until the wheel can be removed freely.

    • 2

      Deflate the tire completely and examine the tire for the cause of the flat. Remove any obstructions protruding from the tire.

    • 3

      Push the tire away from the rim using your thumbs. Tubeless wheels usually have a groove on the inside of the rim where the tire bead snaps into place. The tire needs to be pushed away from the rim in order to remove it.

    • 4

      Take one tire lever and insert it under the tire bead. Push the lever towards the spokes removing the tire bead from the inside of the rim. Insert the other tire lever under the tire bead and slide it underneath the tire bead all the way around the rim. This should remove one half of the tire from the rim. Repeat this step on the opposite side.

    • 5

      Remove the tubeless valve stem and inspect the inside of the tire and rim to make sure there isn't any kind of debris which could puncture the inner tube. There will be some sealant inside the tire which can be disposed of. Keep the tubeless valve stem which can be reused when using the tubeless system.

    • 6

      Inflate the inner tube with a small amount of air so that it holds its shape. Install the tube inside of the tire.

    • 7

      Match the valve stem of the inner tube with the valve stem hole on the rim. Insert the valve stem through the hole. Install one side of the tire bead around the rim using your hands. Install the other side of the tire bead and check to make sure the inner tube is not pinched between the tire bead and the wall of the rim.

    • 8

      Inflate the tire slowly to the full amount of pressure as labeled on the tire sidewall. Check for any leaks.