How to Fix a Flat Tire on the Side of the Road

1.Dismount & Unbead:Shift to the smallest cog first to make rear wheel removal effortless。

Release the brake/axle and remove the wheel. Insert a tire lever under the tire bead near the valve, hook it to a spoke, and use a second lever to scoop around the rim to pop one side of the tire off completely. Pull the punctured tube out.

2.Inspect & Insert Spare:Failing to sweep the tire interior guarantees a second flat immediately。

Carefully run your thumb around the inside of the tire casing to locate and remove whatever caused the flat (glass, thorn, or wire). Slightly inflate your fresh spare tube so it holds shape, push the valve through the rim hole, and tuck the tube inside the tire.

3.Reseat & Reinflate:Never use tire levers to pop the final bead over the rim—you'll pinch the new tube。

Starting at the valve, work the tire bead back over the rim using only your thumbs. Push the valve up slightly into the tire so the tube doesn't get trapped under the bead edge. Seat the remaining section of tire, double-check that no tube is pinched under the bead, and inflate with your hand pump or CO₂ inflator.


How to Clean & Protect Your Chain After a Rainy Ride

Riding in the rain covers your drive chain in road grit and strips away lubrication. Leaving it wet leads to surface rust and accelerated wear within 24–48 hours.

1.Degrease & Scrub:Remove the wet grit before it turns into grinding paste。

Shift to the middle ring/cogs for easy access. Spray a dedicated bike degrease directly onto the chain and cassette, then scrub thoroughly using a stiff-bristled brush or chain cleaning tool to break up road grime.

2.Wipe Dry Completely:Water traps rust under fresh oil if not removed first。

Rinse lightly with low-pressure water (avoid high pressure near bearings). Take a clean microfiber towel or rag, wrap it firmly around the chain, and back-pedal until the chain links are bone-dry and leave zero dirt on the rag.

3.Relube & Wipe Excess:Excess oil attracts grit; lube belongs inside the rollers。

Apply one drop of chain lubricant directly onto each roller as you slowly rotate the pedals backward. Let it penetrate for 2 minutes, then run a clean rag over the outside of the chain to wipe off all excess oil—the outside should feel dry to the touch


Check @airbiketours for the upcoming Kyushu tour release.

ABT Scouting Team

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Riding Skills: Cornering Techniques on a Bike