How To Patch A Bicycle Tube?

There are usually the following steps to repair a bicycle inner tube:

* Repair tool set: generally includes files, glue, tire patches, etc.
* Other items: you also need to prepare air pumps, basins, rags, etc.

* Inflate the inner tube: Remove the inner tube from the outer tube and inflate it with an air pump to expand it to a certain extent.
* Find the leak: Slowly place the inflated inner tube into a basin of water and carefully observe the water surface. Bubbles will appear at the leak. If there is no basin, you can also wipe the surface of the inner tube with a wet rag. The leak will cause the rag to shake or make a sound due to the air blowing out. After finding the leak, mark the leak with chalk or a marker.

* Grinding the leaking area: Use a file or sandpaper to roughen the inner tube surface around the leaking point, with an area slightly larger than the size of the patch. This will increase the adhesion between the glue and the inner tube.
* Applying glue: Apply a thin layer of glue evenly on the polished area, and be careful not to apply too much, to avoid forming lumps after the glue dries and affecting the repair effect. After applying the glue, let it sit for a while and wait for the glue to evaporate to a semi-dry state, which usually takes a few minutes. The specific time depends on the glue instructions and the ambient temperature and humidity.
* Paste the patch: Tear off the protective film of the patch, aim at the leaking point, quickly paste the patch on the area coated with glue, and press hard to make the patch fit the inner tube fully. When pressing, you can press repeatedly on the patch with your fingers or tools to expel air and ensure that it is firmly pasted.

* Inflate again: After the repair is complete, inflate the inner tube and check if there is any leakage at the repaired part. You can put the inner tube next to your ear and listen, or put the inner tube in water again to observe whether bubbles are coming out.
* Check the air pressure: After confirming that there is no leakage, inflate the inner tube to the appropriate pressure. Generally, the air pressure of a bicycle inner tube is between 30 and 100 psi. The specific value can be referred to the marking on the outer tube.

* Replacing the inner tube with the outer tube: Carefully insert the repaired inner tube into the outer tube, taking care not to twist or fold the inner tube. At the same time, make sure that the valve is properly installed in the valve hole of the rim.
* Replacing the tire with the rim: First, insert one edge of the outer tube into the rim, and then use a tire lever to gradually pry the other edge of the outer tube into the rim. During the installation process, be careful not to let the inner tube be sandwiched between the rim and the outer tube to avoid causing new damage.
* Installing the valve: Pass the valve through the valve hole on the rim, then install the valve core inside the valve and tighten the valve cap.

* Install the wheel: Put the wheel assembly with the tire back on the bicycle, tighten the axle nut, or fasten the quick release.
* Final check: Check whether the tire pressure is appropriate, whether the wheel rotates smoothly, and whether the brakes are normal. If there is any problem, make adjustments in time.

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