Patching a Bike Tube is SUPER Easy, Here's How!

Two of the most essential skills for every cyclist are: 1) knowing how to replace an inner tube and 2) knowing how to patch a punctured inner tube. Just these two skills allow you to be self-sufficient on your bike, letting you ride farther and get the most fun out of your bike. Patching a bike tube with a patch kit is super easy. Here's how to do it.

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This little pump is so good, it can replace a floor pump. I use it as my only pump when I'm traveling. It gets up to high PSI's easily and has a gauge. Do you need more from a pump?

I've used a whole lotta different patch kits. This one is the best. It forms the most thorough seal over the puncture and has rubber cement that doesn't dry out super quickly unlike other kits. Get this.

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#fixedgear

[tedmessner]

Am I the only one who's done this many times and just likes zachs videos?

[christianvalencia]

Hey Zach I really like these 3 min Thursday videos. Very informative. Keep making these videos. I learn something new every week.

[UncleP-uk]

WRAP, STRETCH and POKE is the best method for sanding tubes. 1) WRAP the tube around a pole or door handle. 2) STRETCH the tube with your left hand to keep the tube in place. 3) POKE your index finger up under the puncture to provide a hard base on which to sand the tube. If the hole disappears. push up under the tube and the hole will re-appear clearly. The white powder inside the tube will make the hole apparent and you'll never lose the puncture while your sanding.

[vicomi]

You are really at it today. 2 Videos in one day very nice

[complexdoom]

Wow, talk about timing. I literally just got my patch kit and was gonna YouTube how to use it LOL

[guzelmarmara]

Speaking for the non-fixed gear bikes, hard part is not patching, but removing the rear wheel from the frame and putting it back there with the chain on properly. For a newbie, it takes a lot of time to figure out where the chain should sit on after mounting the wheel back. After patching my tubes few times, I decided to move to Marathon tires and since then I had zero flat despite I'm riding on broken shards and construction site leftovers in my city.

[seanl.kopetsch]

This video really comes in handy. Thank you for that! I always tried applying the patch right after putting on the rubber cement.. which is why i could never properly fix my broken tubes! Another video idea could be how to fix brake pads or how to put on new ones when they're totally run off

[jasonconrad]

Just a thought for a 3 minute Thursday video. What about a quick tire pressure tutorial, obviously there’s a ton of variables, but what would you recommend?

[sir_jerhyn]

The Super Patch from Parktool are very good! No rubber cement required!!!!

[derekmosher]

Hey man, if you didn`t know, there are patches that don`t need glue and they are awesome . Check them out , makes it easier to fix that flat on the side of the road . I don`t leave home without them .

[knarf_on_a_bike]

So along with the patch kit, ya gotta carry tire levers and a high pressure mini-pump with you at all times. And a wrench to get your wheel off ('cause no self-respecting fixie rider uses quick releases). They're always in my messenger bag. Just in case.

[kevinbabbitt]

ok but ... WHERE IS THE PURPLE WABI BIKE BUILD VID ????!!!

[davidmoomoo]

It's easier to just carry a spare tube, what if its dark or raining, or your running late for work

[joseaburto]

Hahaha i recently got a fixie as college grad gift and i went out to get a patch kit and multitools. In Chile, there is some kind of a meme/trend regarding fixie riders, where they usually get stranded, because they dont carry some basic stuff like patches and extra rubber tubes hahah. Thanks for the tips!!

[xo_starboyy]

Oh how many times I have done this and it never worked even when following all the steps:( one day I’ll try it again

[benjaminanderson]

Can you do a top component list for different components at different price points ?

[rondvivre]

Put a quarter (coin) in your patch kit, use the coin's edges to 'stitch' the patch to the tube immediately after applying it.

If there's excess glue around the patch, as there should be, leave the clear film in place to prevent that excess glue from sticking to the inside of the tire.

[beofux]

Can you put in 3 minutes, how to choose the right BB and having a straight chainline?
(even if you already done in another longer vid?)

[simonchesney]

i need to just go patch my damn tube. i haven't ridden my bike in too long

[mildey]

I can never patch my tubes I'll get so anxious about it not holding air. I'd just ride & keep wondering if it's letting air out again. Always gotta get a new tube.