How to Repair a Tubeless Bike Tire
Whether you're racing down the scenic trails of Buena Vista, CO, or cruising through town, a flat tire can ruin your ride faster than a sudden rainstorm. The good news? Fixing a tubeless bike tire isn’t as complicated as it sounds—and with a bit of know-how, you can get back on two wheels quickly. At BV Bike Doc, we’ve helped countless riders stay on the move, so we’re sharing our best tips to help you handle tubeless tire repairs yourself. Let’s dive in!
Why Tubeless Tires?
Tubeless bike tires have become a game-changer for cyclists. They’re lighter, reduce the risk of pinch flats, and often provide a smoother ride. Plus, sealant inside the tire can self-heal minor punctures as you ride. But sometimes, the damage is just a bit too big, and that’s when knowing how to repair a tubeless bike tire comes in handy.
Step 1: Find the Leak
First things first—figure out where your tire is losing air. Pump it up and listen closely for a hiss. If you can’t hear anything, mix a little dish soap with water and brush it over the tire; bubbles will form where air escapes. Mark the spot with chalk or tape so you can find it later.
Step 2: Clean the Damaged Area
Before you patch, plug, or seal, make sure the area around the puncture is clean and dry. Remove any debris, thorns, or sharp objects that caused the leak. Dirt and moisture can stop your sealant or plug from sticking properly.
Step 3: Plugging Small Holes
For holes up to about 6mm, a tubeless plug (sometimes called a bacon strip) usually does the trick:
Use a tire plug kit (most come with sticky plugs and an insertion tool).
Thread the plug halfway through the tool.
Push it firmly into the hole until about half the plug sticks out.
Pull the tool straight out, leaving the plug behind.
Trim any excess with scissors, but leave a bit sticking out so it doesn’t pull through.
Once it’s plugged, spin the wheel a few times and inflate to your usual pressure. The plug should seal with the help of the existing tire sealant.
Step 4: Repair Larger Cuts or Sidewall Damage
If the puncture is too large for a standard plug or if it’s near the sidewall, you’ll need to patch it from the inside:
Remove the tire completely from the rim.
Clean the inside of the tire where you’ll place the patch.
Use sandpaper (often included in patch kits) to rough up the area—this helps the patch stick.
Apply rubber cement or adhesive and wait a moment until it becomes tacky.
Press the patch over the hole and hold it firmly for a minute or two.
Let it dry completely before reinstalling the tire.
Don’t forget to top up or replace the tire sealant before you remount. Spin and shake the tire to ensure the sealant coats the inside evenly.
Step 5: Reinstall and Inflate
Once the repair is done, seat the tire bead back on the rim and inflate. It might take a few tries, especially if you don’t have an air compressor, but a good floor pump can usually do the trick. Listen for the bead popping into place, then spin the wheel to help the sealant seal up any tiny leaks.
Pro Tips from BV Bike Doc
Always carry a repair kit: Even if you rarely get flats, having a plug kit, mini pump, and spare sealant saves time and hassle.
Check your sealant every few months: It dries out over time, and fresh sealant makes all the difference.
Know your limits: Sometimes, a tire is too damaged to fix safely on the trail. That’s when it’s best to replace it—or call a professional mobile bike repair service in Buena Vista, CO (like us at BV Bike Doc!).
Conclusion: Keep Rolling Confidently
Learning how to repair a tubeless bike tire is a skill that pays off in freedom and peace of mind. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll spend more time riding the stunning trails around Buena Vista and less time stuck by the roadside. And remember, if you ever need a hand, BV Bike Doc is just a call away—we’ll come to you and get you rolling again in no time.
If you’d like, I can also help create a downloadable checklist or add some photos to make this blog page even more engaging. Let me know!
