The flatting tire is a common problem in bike riding. But it is very frustrating when you ride your bicycle, and the tire becomes flat. Then How do you change a flat tire on a hybrid bike? Changing flat tires is not a big thing. You can easily change your flat hybrid bike tire by following some simple steps. And I’ll explore these issues and give tips to prevent the tire from becoming flat In my blog post. So, if you need help with flat hybrid bike tires, go through my article.
Flat Tire And Its Genre
A flat tire is a tire that has lost its air pressure. As a result, the wheel’s rim may ride on the tire’s tread or on the ground. In such a case, the bike might lose control, or the tire might be irreparably damaged. It occurs when the inner tube is damaged but the tire may not be damaged so badly.
Flat Tires In Different Situations
There are four different types of flat tires. They are given in below:
Slow Leaks:
A slow leak would take some time for your bike to get flat, hence the name “slow leak.” The tires may need more air, so you may find it difficult to pedal later on. It can be difficult to detect tiny holes in an inner tube that cause slow leaks. Thus changing your tubes is the best option if you cannot locate these tiny holes.
Pinch Cuts:
When your tires hit sharp stones or edges, they will get pinch cuts. Sharp curbs can pin your inner tube between the stone and the rim.
- The tube is left with two holes due to pinch cuts. It is also called a snake bite since it looks like a snake fang mark.
- In most cases, the tire is not damaged but the tubes need to be repaired. The impact can also dent or blip your rim.
Punctures:
Most of the time, flat tires are caused by punctures. You can puncture your tires when you ride over sharp objects.
- It will be more difficult to fix the inner tube if the sharp item stabs further into it.
- Many small and sharp things can puncture the skin, including nail fragments, glass debris, thorns, pointy pieces of metal, and more.
Blowouts:
An inner tube suddenly loses air with a loud banging sound. Blowouts are usually caused by too much air in the inner tube. It works similarly to a balloon that pops when stretched to its maximum.
- You can use an inner tube patch to repair a flat tire caused by a puncture.
- Replacing the tube is the best option if patching does not work.
- Also, make sure the sharp object that caused the issue is removed.
Why Does A Tire Become Flat On A Hybrid Bike?
Sharp Objects
Most flat tires are caused by a puncture caused by a sharp object, like a nail, glass, screw, industrial staple, or other sharp objects.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven roads, and unexpected debris wreak havoc on your wheels, axles, and undercarriages. You are more likely to get a flat when the road conditions are bad.
Wear And Tear
Flat tires don’t always have one definitive, major cause. Our tires sometimes go flat due to normal wear and tear. Tire tread wears off over time, increasing their vulnerability to everyday hazards and causing them to go flat more often.
Valve Stem Leakage
You have to ensure the valve stem is not leaking if your tire does not appear to have a puncture. Your vehicle’s tires can go flat if your valve stem is damaged and leaky.
Lack Of Inflation
The correct tire pressure is essential for a safe ride. An underinflated bike tire can cause internal damage, which could result in a serious injury.
Overinflation
The tire may puncture suddenly if it is overinflated. It creates a dangerous hazard situation when the tire blows out.
A Lack Of Rim Tape Coverage
When the spoke holes aren’t fully coated with rim tape, they can poke the bike tubing and cause a puncture. In addition to spoke holes, old rim tape can cause damage to bicycle tubes.
Tire Bead Leaks
The tire bead, which rests on the rim, sometimes leaks air. Tires can become flat due to leaks over time.
Using Tubed Tire
Traditionally hybrid bikes used tubed tires. But, a tubed tire has high air pressure, making it less puncture resistant. On a hard and rough surface, it becomes punctured easily.
How Do You Change A Flat Tire On A Hybrid Bike?
Changing a flat tire is a simple task. By following these easy steps, you can change your hybrid bike flat tire easily.
What Do You Need?
To change a flat tire you will need these things:
- Tubes
- Tire Lever
- Microfiber cloth
- Sandpaper
- Glue
- Bike Pump
- CO2 cartridges
Remove The Wheel
Wheel removal is a simple task. It depends on the type of brakes. It is necessary to release the brakes on a bike with rim brakes to remove a wheel.
- To release the cable from the V-brakes, squeeze the brake arms together to release tension.
- Some brakes have quick-release levers that make removing the wheel easier.
- Either loosen the bolts with a wrench to repair the front tire or use a quick-release skewer.
Separate The Tire And Wheel
As soon as the wheel is detached from the rim, remove any remaining air from the tube. You will need your tire levers to remove the tire.
- Starting from the opposite side of the valve stem, use a tire lever to separate the tire and tube from the rim.
- Use the second tire lever about three inches from the first and pull from both ends.
- When the tire is completely free, gently pull it off the wheel with the tire lever.
Then Pull The Tube Out
Before removing the flat tube completely, you must find the hole. If you don’t remove the object from your tire when you return to your bike, it might still be there, and ready to puncture your new tube.
- Pull the tube away from the valve stem, leaving two or three inches between the stem and the valve.
- To determine whether the cause is still present or not, you can line up the hole with the tire.
- Identifying the cause of your flat hybrid bike tire is essential so that you can fix it once from the beginning.
Eliminate The Flattening Cause
Now that you have found the source of the flat, you can determine what caused it. Verify that the tube and tire are free of punctures, tears, or cuts. And you must clean the tire with a microfiber cloth after removing the inner tube to prevent another flat on a fresh innertube if the debris isn’t removed.
- To determine the site of damage, inspect the tube if the tire appears clear.
- Holding the tube close to your face/ear can help you identify small leaks in the tube if there is no obvious damage.
- Check for air bubbles in the inflated tube by immersing it in water.
- Finally, inspect the valves and spokes for protruding ends that could cause leaks.
Exchange The Tube
You can completely remove the old one when you’ve removed everything from your tire that could ruin your new tube.
- To restore the original shape of the new tube, blow it up just enough before installing it.
- The tire won’t be twisted or folded when it’s seated inside.
- Having partially blown up the tire, start seating the valve stem in place.
- Next, wrap both sides of the valve.
Or Repair The Damaged Tire
You have to determine where the damage has occurred first, in this type of case. Then you should rub sandpaper over the punctured area to roughen the surface.
- To use the glueless patch, press it firmly over the hole.
- When patches require glue, it is necessary to glue them.
- Ensure that the glue is tacky before applying the patch and pressing firmly until it adheres.
Reinstall The Tire
- Be sure to inflate your new or patched tube to hold its shape.
- Placing it inside the tire is easier this way.
- After that, insert the valve stem straight through the valve hole in the rim of the tire.
- Roll the tire onto the rim by rolling the bead away from you.
- Reinstall the tire without using levers, as you might puncture the tube.
- Last, after tucking both sides of the tire bead into the rim, push upward on the valve stem to insert the tube.
Ensure About Properly Seat Of The Tire
You should take your time with this part.
- Look for any signs that the tire isn’t seated properly all around the wheel on both sides.
- Each rim should have a ridge about 1/8 inch above it.
- When one or more tubes stick out around the edges, it is time to adjust the tire.
Check And Inflate Again
Using those small CO2 cartridges will save you a lot of time and effort. However, be careful – these cartridges fill your tires so quickly that you may overfill your tube and pop it. The smaller CO2 molecules leak out more quickly, so you’ll have to refill the tire again once you get home.
- The cartridge should be attached to the adaptor valve (which connects to the wheel valve).
- Apply pressure to the valve on your wheel to prevent CO2 leaks.
- Next, put the valve adapter on the tire’s valve.
- Hold your hand against the tire to check the pressure as the CO2 is released from the tank.
CO2 tanks sometimes contain more CO2 than your tire can hold, so you can pop the tube.
- Tighten the tank as soon as the tire is full to stop airflow.
- Ensure that the tire is seated properly and that the tube is not sticking out.
- Now your bike is ready for action; place your wheel back on.
And How To Prevent Tire Flattening On A Hybrid Bike?
- Using Talcum Powder: Before installing a new inner tube, liberally dust it with talcum powder to prevent chafing. It prevents the tire and tube from sticking together and reduces friction that may wear a hole in the tube.
- Proper Inflation Of Your Hybrid Bicycle Tyre: Ensure your tires are properly inflated to prevent flats, especially pinch flats. Tire compression pinches the tube against the wheel rim, causing pinch flats. It is often caused by underinflated tires or hard impacts with curbs, maintenance hole covers, and potholes.
- Use Tubeless Tyres: Using tubeless tires is a good choice to prevent tires from flat. You can better absorb shock on rough terrain by using lower air pressure to inflate your tire. A tubeless tire sealant will also keep minor punctures from leading to flats.
- Placing Plastic Strip Properly: Between the tube and the tire, a thin plastic strip is attached to the tire liner. The extra layer reduces the chances of flat tires being punctured by thorns, glass, or other sharp objects.
- Look After The Tires Too: Although getting as much mileage out of your tires may be tempting, you will inevitably end up with a flat. In hybrid bikes, mileage can range from 1,000 to 3000 miles, depending on the type of tire. The treads of a tire should be replaced even if the tire does not have dry rot or does not track its mileage.
Final Words
So, changing flat tires is a simple task. You can change your flat tire by following the simple steps above. But you need to take some preventions so that your new or repaired tire does not flatten early. I am sure I can meet your thirst about the doubt of changing a flat tire on a hybrid bike as I have covered all things regarding this matter. That’s all for today, My Friend. Happy Cycling!
