DON'T LET A FLAT TIRE RUIN YOUR RIDE (tire plugs, tubes, CO2 and what we carry) | Syd Fixes Bikes 

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We're BAAAACK!!! Thanks for sticking around while we took some time to regroup. Looking forward to sharing some trailside repairs over the next few weeks! Are there any MTB mechanicals that have given you problems that you'd like to see us cover? ⬇️

One of the best tools to bring for fixing flats is the knowledge that you know how to fix a flat. Thanks for making this how-to!👍🏻

I am a food courier and basically Im racing every day for money😅 Your videos, and especially that one made me way more professional and effective at my job, my $300 bike now looks and works just like an elite machine! Thank you :D

Whenever you put in a new tube, you always check for thorns, goat-heads, glass, whatever. Even if you are suffering from a gash in the sidewall, you may have had several small holes patched by the sealant that have thorns embedded in them and will cause another flat.

I have fixed sidewall tears with needle and thread, along with sealant.....worked great....

My third ride on my brand new Ibis 29" with tubeless tires: PSSTSSSTSSSSSTSST! Riding some nice redwood single track and something just right (or wrong) and tore a good hole in my tire. Sealant was squirting out like a hose! A plug would never have worked in this size hole. (So much for no flats!) Oh, and to those who say you can't fix a torn tire... You can! Dental floss is excellent thread for tire repair. despite my 3/8" tear being dead center in my tire tread, I decided to sew it up and patch both sides. Instead of tossing a brand new tire in the trash, I saved it and $80 in the process! Vulcanized a regular butyl rubber patch on the outside (luckily 90% of the tear was between the knobbies, so I got lucky there. And used a large rubber patch on the inside with Barge cement. The intent was to make this a permanent fix, not a temporary "get me back home" fix. That was the inner tube I threw in (with energy bar wrapper boot) to get back to the trailhead. I did a similar repair to a Continental Town & Country I found in someone's discard pile years ago. New tire, but with a torn sidewall (brake pad most likely). Dental floss, contact cement and Velox rim tape sewed up and booted the sidewall perfectly. I got ten years out of that "ruined" tire before I wore the tread off. Bike shops will NEVER repair an inner tube, much less a tire - it's too much liability, their insurance will drop them, and it's counter to their business model of selling you a new replacement. But as a consumer, you can do it perfectly safely and save some money - and the planet too (or at least make a TINY difference)!

Clearly the best option is to have a friendly mechanic run into you on the trail wanting to shoot a video on how to fix a puncture...

For tubeless users, carrying a 2 oz squeeze bottle of extra sealant can be useful too. Just in case you *hypothetically* lapse in maintenance, go too long between sealant top-offs, and end up riding with completely coagulated sealant. The bottles come stock with some bikes but are also readily available on their own.

... and most important, always bring your apron or just wear it while you ride, so you will not lose time to wear before fixing something and you dont waste space in your backpack.

I’ve started carrying a small sharpie marker to circle the hole on a tube prior to patching since most holes are tiny in my limited experience and are hard to relocate when getting ready to patch

Hi, in case of cutting the tire I use needle and thimble, dental floss, and I put three or four stitches. Then on the inside with the Attak Power Flex Gel glue I glue a patch with a blue edge (those used to repair the inner tubes with an orange edge are not good). In this way, within thirty minutes I repair the tire and can still use it as tubles without the use of the inner tube.

Thank you. No doubt the most comprehensive video I’ve seen on different scenarios of dealing with flats. Much appreciated!

TIP. When using self adhesive patches, after sanding the tube (if needed of course, generally butyl tubes) clean the area with isopropyl alcool pads (the small single use pads you use for disinfecting or removing thermal paste on CPUs), especially with all TPU tubes. Otherwise the patch doesn't stitch. And those pads are even useful in your First Aid Kit. Cheers from the Alps!

The Scratch bar tip saved my arse today! Out on the road in the back of beyond my sidewall exploded out pretty dramatically. In NZ we have OSM bars, so same deal… could only pump the tire up to about 40PSI, but that was enough to ride 15km into cell range and get picked up. THANK YOU! This video was literally my first thought when I heard the bang.

Patch kit is a must. You will inevitably end up using it on someone else’s bike, some random on the trail. :)

The Scratch Bar tip saved me a long walk back to cell phone range - thanks!

Just came home to this after a 4-mile morning ride where I flatted 0.5 mile from home. On such short rides, I don't usually bring a bag (or really plan much), but my OneUp EDC pump and plug saved the day (again).

Syd repeating to stop putting shit on the ground is a lesson I need to take you heart

very fitting I just had a flat on a ride yesterday. no hole no explanation just flat tire. luckily a tube and a nice person with a pump got me back to my car

I appreciate this video series. Not once have I taken a bike stand on the trail with me so it's good to see it done on the trail.

One thing I liked to do when I was running tubes is to (1) put a NEW tube in when you get a flat, (2) patch the tube that just went flat right away and put it back in your bag. This gives the patch time to dry, so if you get ANOTHER flat you can use the patched tube.

Great video. I like to infltate the new innertube intially using a hand pump (the same pump I use to pump the rest of the way, or to top off the tire pressure for non-flat occasions).

I tried to help a friend who pinch-flatted and was running a green slime tube. I carefully squished the slime away from the snake-bite holes and sanded them. got out my patch kit, because (of course) my friend had no tools or patches and poked a hole in the patch cement tube AND the cement was dry! He did a long walk back to his truck.

I usually have a few SMALL Zip Lock Bags that I can put the Valve Cores and other small parts in. And carry and extra Valve Core - or two - with me!

To boot a tire, my "go to" is a section of road bike tire w/ the sidewalls removed. Much like an energy bar wrapper, an energy gel pouch will work. I've seen others use pieces of milk jug w/ the edges rounded off. Practicing is a good tip and makes it less likely to forget a key step. It's easy to forget to check for the item that caused the puncture when in a hurry to get back on the bike.

Macky as the dude in distress was epic. Great work.

Nothing wrong with what you did but I half expected Syd to walk up to the bike and stab a hole in the tire followed by a comedic "as you can see we have a flat tire".

The artwork in the center of your toolboard is excellent.

Good to always fill with a CO2 cartridge at the TOP of the tire so the sealant is at the bottom. Many sealants do not like CO2 and can lose much of its plugging value. Really important in a LONG race.

Yeaaaahhh Syd Fixes Bikes new video! Uff I was affraid that you stopped this part of your channel, and I really, really liked it.

Love it, this is great, always can learn something new even when you think you know everything. Thanks for this 👍

No crying, put the tube and boot in and get going! Had to do this many times! Great video, need to try the bacon strips on both gravel and Mt bike

All you need is a pump - co2/hand, a small patch of rubber, which if you wrap your chain area with a tube, you already have on the bike, just leave the tails longer so you can rip a small piece out. You'll also need a tube of superglue and something sharp. Basically all you do is pop out your tire, inflate the tube so you can figure out where your flat is. Once you've located the hole, use something sharp, like your house keys, a bobby pin, a pocket awl to poke a small patch of rubber inside the tube, through the hole. Before hand, use water (or something else) to clean the area and the patch. Once you've done that, press the patch such that it lines out proper with the hole, it should be larger than the hole and you just shimmy it into place and place a dot of CA glue over the hole and the patch inside the tube. Work the glue inside the patch by stretching the tube over the patch opening the hole (all should be done on your knee to insure the patch stays put). Once the glue has set, place another patch of rubber over, this one just needs to be glued such that it forms a perimeter around and stays put (it does not act as the main repair, just a protection) and refit the tube, tire and refill with air. If you have the hang of it, this will only be a 5 minute job, depending on how fast you can remount the tire and inflate it. Tips CO2 from your breath helps kick the CA glue into action faster, so exhale over it. I've had patches like these last years... heck, i've never had one fail. The pressure of the tube pushes the patch from the inside. So it's impossible to pop out short of the glue giving up the ghost.

Thanks for these tips! Looking forward to this series. I need to practice these with my son using a worn out tire.

Always bring tire levers. If not for you then someone else's tire you may want to fix a flat.

I just went through 2 tubes last weekend, had to walk back to my truck each time! Thorns both times, maybe i need to go tubeless, looks like sealent would seal a thorn puncture.

Thanks guys. I know the mechanics of it all, but i get so few flats that I'm always out of practice and struggle.

Helpful video. Yet I have to say that as an urban (non-racing) cyclist I only carry a patch kit. It takes merely a couple minutes to patch a tube and re-inflate a tire. It’s definitely NOT the “last resort” for fixing a flat. Plus, you can easily fit it in a pocket instead of clamping onto a top tube.

Cutie! Syd still has her apron in the wild! \:D/

Park Tool sells a tire boot that’s like a patch. Works great and easy to carry.

I use Mr Tuffy tire liner since 2019. No flats since that. I ride on trails with lots of thorns and debris.

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION!! Thank you Syd!! Very well on point!

Many thanks for sharing this nice video, specially today SUNDAY 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

After each ride I usually check the tires for thorns and take them out so they don't create a bigger hole and if I find alot .Sometimes I take the tire off and run my fingers on the inside of it.

Great video, I can't wait to have a flat tire so I can have as much fun as you

Great video. I haven't used my CO2 yet but your point about practicing is very good - now on my to-do list. 🙂

Great information. Its great to see you guys making videos again!

I used a blunt wrapper I found on the trail as a boot once

I just did a trailside SKEWER fix to ride 10 miles home. Twine tied to frame, through QR axle, tied around frame. Wish I could upload a pick.

Very useful indeed, never used a plug so far (I don't ride very hard ^_^'''), so this is going to be very helpful the first time I'll get to do it.

Revisiting this topic, I've seen some really light and small rechargeable pumps hitting the market that weight not much more (if it all) than a CO2 rig and can inflate a tire many more times that the cartridge. I'm thinking of buying one to try in my field repair kit. They look easier to use than CO2 and bonus is no frozen fingers!!

I have gotten home from a large 1" sidewall cut by using a dollar bill boot. I always carry a few dollar bills. If I need a snack, I can still exchange the bills for snacks and then save the wrapper as a potential boot.

When using co2, wearing gloves is a good idea (particularly in the wet - I have frozen my glove to a co2 canister in the UK winter before and I wouldn't have appreciated that on bare hands!)

Great video, all ready sheared with friends, cheers guys

Does sealant ever clog up the valve? Seems that would be a common trail side issue to deal with too?

Great videos. They’ve inspired me to start wrenching on my ride. When will you do bottom bracket or pivot servicing? Waiting!

Yup Remember tubes!! to start with Iv always put a bit of air in the tube as well also Iv almost always used my mouth with presta Pushing your tongue against the prests stem makes it a bit easier lol

This winter I had troubles getting the bacon strip lock into the hole on my tubeless tire. Maybe the low temperature (about freezing) didn't help, don't know, anyway, we had to resort to the tube.

Another Great Video and I noticed your sealant is green. I’m wondering what y’all use? I run Stan’s and interest in trying something new. Thanks for the info. Dave

Very cool tips! 🤘

Love this vid! Good quality info and totally useful information!

Welcome back!

i need help un hooking the iwre from my bike to repair the tire. the wire goes internal and I cant unplug plz halp

What about installing a tube after you use a plug with an anchor? Wont the pointy metal/plastic tips on dynaplug and stans darts pop a tube? So if you use the anchor plugs and then it fails or you get another puncture and need to put in a tube, do you need to remove the anchors from the inside of the wheel first?

you can actually patch the inner tyre for a more durable replacement than a beacon strip

Thanks!

I understood that if the tire goes completely flat, you have to put a tube in because without a floor pump, you can’t get the tire back in the bead. Am I wrong? It seems so, from this super helpful video. Thx!

12:55 - apologies if someone mentioned this already, but is there any reason that you couldn't use duct tape as a boot?

Great video! Thanks!

Not just you, it seems like everyone acts like patching a tube is this big hassle and I just don't get it. I've patched my tire many times while on my work commute, it can be done in 5 minutes in the rain. I guess it's just that you don't have to take your tire off for most of the tubeless fixes. That said, I'm looking to go tubeless just to avoid having to do anything at all for most punctures :)

Would these plugs work on a tubeless roadtire or would you feel the "bump" due to higher pressure? (asking for a friend)

Now I wonder how many people have used a leaf as a tube boot.

Will the patch stick with goop on it

I really wish y'all would've done the tube with all the sealant in the tire. Dont you have to keep the whole thing off the ground?

Okay first off I liked how you pointed out which of the things you did / the things we see are RU-vid and not real life :D Nice to see someone do that. It's easy to forget as a viewer. At around 17min (in section 3d), you mention "inflate more than on tubeless, like at least 5 psi or 10" - that is like... less than half a bar? Is that because tubes in tubeless tires work differently? I never had tubeless tires and my minimum pressure on tubes is literally ten times higher, 50 PSI. Even on heavy winter tires for snow it's like 30 PSI at least.

Do you often wear that tool apron while riding?

A pump is better than CO2 purely from an environmental standpoint. Why use a single use disposable item when a pump can do the same job? Unless you are in a race, use a pump.

I see the like button but where's the love button ?

01:20 I heard that part in a lowly whispered Australian accent.

Can I use a couple of CO2 to pump up my shocks

Hey Syd and Macky! I'm a 210lb rider on a 150mm/130mm full sus trail bike, but I ride it on DH parks (Pajarito, Angel Fire and Purgatory) and pretty much everywhere--1-2 times a week during riding season. I run 2.5" tubeless tires, but I can't seem to stop dinging my aluminum "enduro rated" wheels, eventually destroying them. I even have a vitorria airliner after seeing your video about them. Seems like I go through a wheelset a season. I ride 30psi too just to ensure I protect my rims (even though traction sucks). Is this normal? Any tips on preventing wheel damage? I know you're familiar with the rocky terrain here in northern NM. Or, is this just the way it is. It's getting expensive! Love your videos!

i watched all your video i like it

The rims on these tyres are tight as hell

What pump was that with the CO2 adapter?

....alcohol wipes & ah Bic lighter go's ah long -- long way in very *SUCCESSFUL* tube, tire patching, along with ah little ""Gorillo-Tape"" on ah pencil piece.....

Thought the apron was just for the shed, but I am starting to think you not only ride in it, but sleep in it as well.

What kind of gps is it on the bars?

Not in 100 degree heat though I regret doing a 11 mile ride

you can also just use a minipump

Waiting for Syd goes full MacGyver...

why do you need a co2 tank instead of just pumping air in with a portable pump.

Co2 will harden remaining tire sealant … best to use a hand pump.

Dollar bill is much better to use for large cuts.

Electrical tape for the Wayne.

Tubes all the way, tubeless is unnecessary, expensive and requires aditional maintenance, i'm not running low pressure or want to. My equipment is supposed to last so rim banging goes on my nerves.

Is it me or were there some crazy unintentional innuendos in the one 😩😆

Why have there been no new videos in a while. Did these 2 have a falling out ?

:-) Never touch your hair while messing with the tyre sealant. (for example when putting the tube in) :-))

I called my wife to pick me up when I suffered my last puncture.