Brad Kopp, One ten Cycles Service Manager/Assistant Store Manager
The inevitable truth is that every avid cyclist has, or will eventually have, a flat while riding and need a bike tire boot repair. When considering a repair the key is to identify the cause of the flat and resolving the issue before continuing with an inner tube replacement. Having the right tools and knowledge will help get you rolling down the trail safely again.
A bike tire boot repair option
Identifying the need for a bike tire boot repair from a blow out.
The type of hole in the inner tube can give you an idea of whether a tire boot is necessary. A small pinhole would indicate a puncture via thorn, wire, glass etc. Two small cuts on either side of the tube indicate a pinch flat caused by too low of pressure and an impact with a rock or pothole. In most cases, these scenarios do not necessitate a tire repair.
Identifying a blowout
Installing a bike tire boot when you need to repair from a blow out.
A blowout can be identified by a large shredded hole or a long horizontal slit, commonly caused by a ripped tire or improperly seated tire bead. Failure to repair the tire casing in the event of a blowout could allow your new inner tube to protrude from the tire and flat immediately. It’s possible to temporarily repair a tire with a boot such as Park Tool’s TB-2. It should be noted that booted tires should be replaced as soon as possible.
Take the following steps to repair a damaged tire:
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Temporarily repair a tire with a boot such as Park Tool’s TB-2.
Locate cut or tear in tire.
- Clean inside of tire around tear (alcohol wipes work excellent).
- Locate and remove emergency tire boot backing.
- Place patch over damaged tire casing, making sure not to overlap the tire bead.
- Firmly press down patch.
- Re-install tire and tube.
Pro Tip: Also inspect for rim strip failure in the event of a blowout. A damaged rim strip can sometimes be emergency repaired with a section of a TB-2 patch.=-09876543.
For more questions related to keeping your bike in top shape, stop in an see Brad at One ten Cycles, On Highway 100, west of the 35E Freeway in Mendota Heights, MN.
