Flat Tire Fix Guide: For When You’re Stranded by Riverside and YouTube Won’t Load

You’re cruising along the river trail, maybe feeling a little proud of yourself. And then it happens.

That soft hiss. The slow sag. The unmistakable “you’re walking home” feeling.

Getting a flat is a rite of passage in the bike world. And while it’s never convenient, it doesn’t have to ruin your ride—or your day. Here’s how to fix a flat tire, right there on the trail, without panicking or calling your one friend with a truck.

What You’ll Need (and What You Can Skip)

You don’t need a full mechanic’s kit. Here’s the bare-bones version of what to keep on you:

• 2 tire levers

• A spare tube OR a patch kit

• A mini pump or CO₂ inflator

• Patience (this one’s free)

If you’re not sure which tube fits your bike, swing by the shop. We’ll help you find the right size and even show you how to pack it. You can check out some of our go-to gear in the sales section.

Step-by-Step: The Trailside Fix

1. Get the Wheel Off

   • Shift to your smallest gear if it’s the rear wheel

   • Open your brake if needed

   • Use your quick release or axle bolts to remove the wheel

2. Remove the Tire and Tube

   • Use tire levers to pry the tire bead over the rim

   • Pull out the old tube

   • Run your fingers inside the tire to check for thorns, glass, etc. (Carefully—this part matters)

3. Insert the New Tube

   • Add just a little air to the new tube so it holds its shape

   • Slide it into the tire and work the tire back onto the rim

   • Check that no part of the tube is pinched between tire and rim

4. Pump It Up

   • Inflate slowly, watching for bulges or uneven spots

   • Aim for your recommended PSI (usually written on the tire sidewall)

   • Reinstall the wheel, close the brake, and give it a spin

   
   

If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry—we can walk you through the whole thing at the shop. Or, if your hands are cold and your patience is gone, bring the wheel in and we’ll fix it for you. Flat fixes are one of our most common quick services.

Tips to Avoid the Next One

• Keep your tires properly inflated

• Replace worn or bald tires before they start splitting

• Avoid riding through broken glass, potholes, or sketchy shoulders

• Carry a patch kit even if you have a spare—because things happen

Looking for tough, affordable tires that can handle La Crosse streets, trails, and random gravel roads? We’ve got them. Ask us what works best for your ride.

Come Learn It With UsWe’ve walked first-timers through their first tube change, helped commuters figure out why they keep flatting every week, and talked a lot of people through the “why does this keep happening” frustration spiral. You’re not alone.

If you want hands-on help, come by. We can show you how to change a tube, recommend tools for your backpack, or set you up with tires that won’t quit on mile five.

Check out our service menu, browse our rental fleet if your bike needs to stay overnight, or contact us with questions. We're here for it.