Patching a Bike Tube for Beginners, (and Cats )

It all happens to us, a flat tire at the most inconvenient time. This Instructable will teach you how to fix your tire, with the help of a furry friend.

- Two bike levers

- A pair of tweezers

- A patching kit, including; sandpaper, a patch, and glue. (Depending on the kit.)

- A large bowl of water.

- A bike pump.

- Your furry assistant.

First, flip over your bike, and unscrew the pins on the tire. Next, depending on your bike, either de-attach the brake on the bottom of the bike. If your bike comes off after unscrewing the pins, then ignore the previous step. If this is your back tire, unscrew the pins, then push up on the small gear on the back of the bike, and remove the tire.

Now, have your cat help you with this, unscrew the valve cover, and keep it in a safe place. Then, take one of the levers, and pinch the tube, and insert the slim side and hook the lever around one of the spokes. After that, take the second lever, and insert it about the same spot as the first one, then move the lever around the entire tire.

Take the valve, and push it through the end of the hole and bring it out from the tire. Then, pull out the rest of the tube.

Now, take the bike pump, and inflate the tube so that it is easier to find the hole. Then, take the tube, and submerge it in the water, and spin the tire in a slow circle, being very thorough to get every inch of the tube. Once you find the hole, and there might be several, make a note of the exact place, and grab your patch kit.

Take the tire, and examine the treads closely. If you don't find the hole on the outside, run your hand on the inside to see if you can feel the thorn, or whatever punctured the tube. Be CAREFUL though! It may be sharp.

Now, reference the direction in your patch kit, and lightly scuff the area surrounding the hole, then, either apply the glue, or just the patch and firmly press to make sure the patch is secure.

Now, inflate the tube slightly, this will make it easier to re-insert, and line up the valve on the bike tube with the hole on the frame, then stick the valve through the hole. Next, insert the rest of the tube into the tire. After that, take the tire levers, (or just use your hands,) and fold the tire back into place. Then take the other lever, and start working around the tube, folding the rest of the tire in. At the end of the tire, it might take a little muscle to get the tire in. Finally, inflate the tire to the normal PSI, and don't forget to screw on the cap!

Now, take the pegs and line it up onto the designated holes, then re-tighten the pegs. If this is for the back tire, lift up on the small gear set, and put the tire between the chain and fit it into the holes.

Great job! You finished patching your tire. Don't forget to thank your furry friend too! Now go and ride!