Can you fix a flat tubeless bike tire? Yes, you can! You can patch a tubeless tire right out on the trail. You use a tubeless tire repair kit with a special bike tire plug. This is how you stop a tubeless tire leak and keep riding.
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What Tubeless Tires Are
Let’s talk about tubeless tires first. These tires do not have an inner tube. Instead, they have a special rim tape to seal the wheel. The tire itself also seals tightly against the rim.
Inside the tire, you put a liquid called tubeless sealant.
What Tubeless Sealant Does
Tubeless sealant is a liquid that goes inside the tire. It sloshes around while you ride. If a small hole appears, like from a small thorn, the sealant finds the hole. It dries in the hole and plugs it up. This happens very fast. Often, you do not even know it happened. This is why many riders like tubeless tires. Small flats fix themselves.
When Sealant Needs Help
Sometimes, the hole is too big for the sealant to fix alone. Maybe you hit a sharp rock or a piece of glass. This makes a bigger cut. The sealant will try to plug it. But the air comes out too fast. The hole is too wide. The sealant gets pushed out with the air. This is when you need to use a patch. But you don’t use a normal patch like you do on a tube. You use a special plug.
Your Trailside Fix Kit
To fix a big hole in a tubeless tire on the trail, you need a few things. You need a tubeless tire repair kit. This kit has the things you need. It is small and easy to carry with you.
Inside a Tubeless Tire Repair Kit
Most kits have these main parts:
- A reamer tool: This tool looks like a handle with a rough, sharp point. You use it to clean and make the hole bigger for the plug. It helps the plug fit well. This is one type of tubeless repair tool.
- An insertion tool: This tool also has a handle. It has a split end or a needle eye. You put the tire plug into this end. You use this tool to push the plug into the tire. This is another type of tubeless repair tool.
- Tire plugs: These are sticky, stringy bits. They look like little worms or pieces of licorice. They are made of a special rubber or nylon. They are very sticky. You put one or more of these into the hole. They mix with the sealant and rubber to fix the tire. They are the bike tire plug.
- Sometimes: Some kits might have a small knife or blade to cut off extra plug material. Some might have glue or extra sealant, but often just the sticky plug works with the sealant already in the tire.
You also need a way to put air back in your tire after you fix it.
Air for Your Tire
After you use a plug, the tire will have lost air. You need to pump it up again. You can use:
- A small hand pump you carry.
- A CO2 inflator. This uses a small gas bottle to fill the tire quickly. Be careful, CO2 can affect some sealants over time, but it is great for a fast fix.
Finding the Problem Spot
The first step in fixing flat tubeless bike tire is finding the hole. When the tire goes flat, listen for the air coming out. Look at the tire slowly. Sealant might be bubbling out of the hole. This is a good sign. It shows you where the hole is.
If you cannot hear or see air or sealant, put a little weight on the wheel. Turn the wheel slowly. Look and listen carefully. The hole is usually on the part of the tire that touches the ground.
Getting Ready to Fix
Once you find the hole, stop the wheel so the hole is facing up or to the side. You want to keep as much sealant inside the tire as possible. Turn the bike upside down or lean it against something.
Pull out whatever caused the flat. Was it a thorn? A piece of glass? A sharp rock? Pull it straight out. Be careful not to push it deeper.
Now, look at the hole. Is it large? Is it a slit? This tells you if you need one plug or maybe more.
Using the Reamer Tool
Your tubeless tire repair kit has the reamer tool. This tool helps clean the hole. It also roughs up the rubber around the hole a bit. This helps the plug stick better. It also makes the hole just right for the plug.
Take the reamer tool. Push it into the hole where the air came out. Push it in and pull it out a few times. Twist it as you do this. Go straight in. Do not push it in at an angle. This cleans out dirt and pieces of rubber. It also helps the hole open up a little bit.
Doing this makes sure the hole is ready for the sticky plug. This is part of your tubeless tire puncture repair.
Getting the Plug Ready
Next, get a bike tire plug from your kit. Take one plug. Some plugs might be thick. Some might be thin. Some kits have different sizes. For a small hole, one plug might be enough. For a bigger cut, you might need two plugs twisted together.
Take the plug. It is sticky. Get your insertion tool. The tool has a split end. Fold the plug in half. Push the folded end of the plug through the split end of the insertion tool. Pull it through so that about an equal amount of plug hangs out on each side of the tool. The plug should be held firmly in the middle by the tool. This is how you get ready for inserting tubeless tire plug.
If the plug does not go into the tool easily, some kits come with a little bit of rubber cement or glue. Put a drop on the end of the plug. Or use some sealant from the tire around the hole. This helps it slide into the tool.
How Many Plugs?
- Small round hole: Usually one plug is enough.
- Bigger round hole or small slit: Try one plug first. If it still leaks, you might need a second one right next to the first or twisted with the first.
- Long cut: You might need two or even three plugs side by side or woven a bit.
You will learn with practice. It is better to use enough plug the first time.
Putting the Plug In
Now for the main step: Inserting tubeless tire plug. You have the plug loaded into the insertion tool. The reamer tool just cleaned the hole.
Hold the tire still. Find the hole. Take the insertion tool with the plug. Push the plug and the tool straight into the tire hole. Push it in firmly. You need to push it in most of the way. Leave about 1-2 cm (less than an inch) of the plug sticking out of the tire. Do not push it all the way inside the tire. That plug is needed on the outside and in the tire’s wall to seal.
Pushing the plug in takes force. The plug is sticky and the tire is tough. Be ready to push hard. It helps to hold the tire firmly with your other hand near the hole.
Some kits have instructions. Follow your specific tubeless plug kit instructions. But the general idea is: push the plug into the hole.
Taking the Tool Out
Once the plug is mostly in the tire, with a little bit sticking out, it is time to take the tool out. This is a key part of repairing tubeless bike tire leak.
Hold the plug against the tire with your thumb or finger. Or hold the plug material near the tool handle. Quickly and straightly pull the insertion tool out of the tire. The split end of the tool should let go of the plug. The plug should stay in the hole.
This can be tricky the first time. The plug might want to come out with the tool. Hold it down firmly. Pull the tool out fast.
If the plug comes out, don’t worry. Load it back into the tool. Maybe try pushing it in again. Or try using the reamer tool again to make the hole ready.
Making the Plug Stick
You now have a plug sticking out of your tire. It looks like a hairy worm sticking out. Do not cut off the extra plug material yet.
Rub the plug that is sticking out. Rub it with your finger. Get some sealant that leaked out and rub it onto the plug. This helps the plug mix with the sealant. It helps seal the hole better.
Move the wheel. Let the sealant inside the tire slosh around near the new plug. This helps the plug bond with the tire and the sealant.
Some people say you should spin the wheel. Some say hold the wheel still. The idea is to let the sealant find the fresh plug and the hole.
Putting Air Back In
Now that the plug is in place, you need air. Connect your hand pump or CO2 inflator to the valve.
Start pumping air into the tire. Watch the plug. As you pump, you might see some tiny bubbles around the plug. This is okay. It means the sealant is working with the plug to fill any tiny gaps.
Pump the tire up to a good pressure. It might be hard to get the full pressure you normally use right away, especially with a hand pump. Get enough air so the tire feels firm and you can ride it.
Using CO2
If using CO2, be quick. Screw on the inflator head. Push or turn the button to release the gas. The tire will fill very fast. Stop when it feels firm. CO2 is cold. Be careful not to freeze your fingers.
Using a Hand Pump
If using a hand pump, just pump steadily. Watch the tire shape up. Feel the pressure. It might take many pumps.
Checking Your Work
Once the tire has air, listen again. Do you hear any air leaking? Look at the plug. Is sealant still bubbling a lot? A little bit of bubbling is often fine. It should slow down and stop.
If the leak has stopped or is just a very slow weep of sealant, the repair worked!
If air is still rushing out, the plug might not have sealed the hole. This means you might need another plug. Use the reamer tool again (carefully, try not to push the first plug in). Load another plug. Push it into the hole, maybe right next to the first one, or twisted with the first one in the tool. Pull the tool out. Rub the plugs. Pump air again.
Sometimes a single large plug works better than two small ones. Or two small ones next to each other. It depends on the shape of the hole.
Checking the Repairing Tubeless Bike Tire Leak
- Listen: Quiet tire is a good sign.
- Look: Little or no bubbling sealant.
- Feel: Tire holds air pressure.
Ride the bike gently for a few feet. This puts some weight on the tire and helps the plug settle in. Check it again after riding a little.
Finishing the Trailside Repair
Once you are sure the plug is holding air, you can ride. Some riders like to cut off the extra plug material sticking out. Use a small knife or scissors for this. Cut it close to the tire surface. This makes the tire look cleaner and prevents the plug from catching on things.
However, some people leave the extra plug material. They say it can help the plug stay in place better. It is up to you. If you cut it, be careful not to cut the tire.
Riding Home
Ride carefully at first. Check the tire pressure after a few minutes of riding. The plug might need a little time to fully seal with the tire pressure and sealant working together.
You did a trailside tubeless repair! You fixed fixing flat tubeless bike tire out on the trail. This skill lets you get back to your ride instead of walking.
What Happens to the Plug?
The plug stays in the tire. It becomes part of the tire. The sealant helps it bond. You can usually ride on a plugged tire for a long time. Sometimes for the rest of the tire’s life.
The plug is flexible. It bends with the tire as you ride.
Trailside Tubeless Repair Tips
- Practice: Try using the tool and plugs at home first, maybe on an old tire. Get the feel for loading the plug and pushing the tool.
- Keep Kit Ready: Always carry your tubeless tire repair kit when you ride. Make sure the plugs are not dried out (some older kits might have dry plugs).
- Find the Hole Fast: Look and listen as soon as you flat.
- Be Strong: Pushing the plug in needs force.
- Don’t Give Up: If the first plug does not work, try another.
Going Beyond Trailside Fixes
The plug is a great fix for the trail. It is fast. It works for many holes.
For very large cuts or holes that don’t seal with a plug, you might need a different fix. This is not common trailside, but good to know.
Booting a Tire
For a very big cut on the tire wall, you might need to put something inside the tire. This is called ‘booting’. You can use a strong tire boot made for this. Or you can use something like a piece of an old tire, or even strong tape like duct tape.
To boot a tire trailside:
1. Take the tire off one side of the rim.
2. Wipe the inside of the tire clean and dry around the cut.
3. Put the boot material on the inside of the tire, covering the cut well.
4. Put the tire back on the rim.
5. Add sealant back if you lost a lot.
6. Put air back in.
Booting is more complex than plugging. It’s usually a last resort to get home. Plugs are the first thing to try for most punctures.
Inside Tire Patches
At home, for a more lasting repair on a large cut, you can use a special patch made for the inside of a tire. This is like a large, strong patch you stick on the inside wall. This is done after you get home, not usually trailside.
Importance of Sealant
Always make sure you have fresh tubeless sealant in your tires. Sealant dries out over time. Check it every few months. Add more if needed. Good sealant prevents many flats in the first place. It also helps your plugs seal better and faster.
Common Questions About Tubeless Repair
Let’s answer some common things people ask about fixing tubeless tires.
Can I use a tube after a flat?
Yes, you can. If your tubeless fix does not work, or if the tire is too damaged to plug, you can put an inner tube in the tire.
1. Take the wheel off the bike.
2. Take the tire off one side of the rim.
3. Wipe out any liquid sealant from inside the tire. Get it out of the way as much as possible. Be careful, it can be messy.
4. Remove the tubeless valve stem from the rim.
5. Put a regular inner tube into the tire.
6. Put the tire back onto the rim.
7. Pump up the tube.
This lets you ride home. You can deal with the tubeless repair later. Carry an inner tube as a backup, just in case.
Will a plug ruin my tire?
No, a plug will not ruin your tire. It is made to work with your tire. It becomes part of the tire. It is a fix for the tire.
How long does a plug last?
A plug can last a very long time. Often, it lasts for the rest of the tire’s life. Sometimes, in very rare cases or if the cut is huge, a plug might come out. But usually, they stay put.
What if the hole is on the tire sidewall?
Fixing a hole on the sidewall can be harder. The sidewall is thinner and flexes more. A plug might work for small holes. For bigger cuts on the sidewall, it is much harder for a plug to seal because of the tire flexing. You might need to boot the tire or use a tube to get home. A bad sidewall cut often means the tire needs to be replaced soon, even if you get it to hold air.
Do I need to re-seat the tire on the rim?
No, not usually for a plug. You only take the tire off the rim if you are going to put a tube in or boot it from the inside. For plugging, the tire stays on the rim.
How do I know what size plug to use?
Most tubeless repair kits come with one size of plug that works for most holes. Some kits have different thicknesses. Start with a standard plug. If the hole is very big, try twisting two plugs together or using a thicker plug if your kit has one. If the hole is very small, you might be able to use a thinner plug, but standard plugs usually work fine even in smaller holes after using the reamer.
Can I use glue with the plug?
Some plugs come with glue or rubber cement. This can help the plug slide into the tool and stick better. But the plug’s own stickiness and the tire sealant are usually enough to make a good seal. Follow your specific tubeless plug kit instructions if they say to use glue.
Is it okay to ride on a plugged tire forever?
For many punctures, yes. A properly installed plug can be a permanent fix for the life of the tire. Check the plug now and then, just like you check your tires. Make sure it is not leaking.
How do I check my sealant level?
You can check sealant by letting the air out of the tire. Then break one side of the tire bead off the rim (carefully, use tire levers if needed). Look inside. Is there liquid sealant sloshing around? If it looks dry, or you only see dried bits, add more sealant. Some people use a special tool to remove the valve core and inject sealant through the valve stem, which is less messy.
What tools are important for a tubeless kit?
The most important tools are the reamer tool and the insertion tool. And of course, the plugs themselves (bike tire plug). These are the core of the tubeless tire repair kit. A small knife can be helpful too. And don’t forget your pump or CO2!
What is the difference between a plug and a patch?
A patch usually goes on the inside of the tire or tube and sticks to the surface. A plug is a sticky material you push into the hole from the outside. It fills the hole and works with the sealant. Plugs are for tubeless tires, used trailside. Patches are mainly for tubes or for home repairs on the inside of a tubeless tire.
How do I clean the reamer and insertion tool?
After using them, especially the reamer, they might have sealant or rubber on them. Wipe them clean before putting them back in your kit. This keeps them ready for the next time you need them.
Being Prepared
Learning how to patch a tubeless bike tire is a key skill for anyone riding tubeless. It saves you from getting stuck far from home. It means you can fix fixing flat tubeless bike tire quickly and get back to enjoying your ride. Your tubeless repair tool set, mainly the reamer and insertion tool with plugs, is your best friend when a thorn or rock causes a puncture too big for sealant alone.
Carry your tubeless tire repair kit every ride. Know where it is. Know how to use it before you need it in a hurry on the trail. Read your specific tubeless plug kit instructions when you get your kit.
Fixing a Flat Tubeless Bike Tire Summary
- Stop safely.
- Find the hole. Look for sealant leaking.
- Pull out what caused the puncture.
- Use the reamer tool. Push it into the hole to clean and shape it.
- Get a plug ready. Fold it in half. Load it into the insertion tool (tubeless repair tool).
- Push the plug and tool into the hole. Leave a little bit of plug sticking out.
- Pull the tool out straight and fast, holding the plug down.
- Rub the plug that is sticking out. Use sealant around the hole.
- Pump air back into the tire with your pump or CO2.
- Check the plug. Listen for leaks. Look for bubbling sealant.
- If still leaking, add another plug.
- If sealed, cut off extra plug material if you want.
- Ride gently at first. Check pressure again.
This process for repairing tubeless bike tire leak is fast and effective. It is the core of trailside tubeless repair.
Conclusion
Tubeless tires are great, but they can still flat. When the sealant cannot fix a hole, knowing how to use a bike tire plug is a must. Your tubeless tire repair kit is small but powerful. It lets you do a tubeless tire puncture repair right where you are. Learn this skill, carry your kit, and keep riding happy. Don’s let a flat stop your fun on the trail.