Modified on Tue, 11 Nov at 3:07 PM

How to Change a Flat Tire

In this article: You’ll learn how to change a flat tire on your MOD BIKE. 

Note: If your tire is still mounted on the bike, you’ll first need to remove the wheel. Follow the steps in this article before continuing: How to Remove and Remount Wheels

This Article Applies to the Following Bikes

Difficulty

★☆☆ Easy

Estimated Time

10–15 Min

Before You Start

Tools you will need

• Tire levers – such as the Pedro’s Tire Levers we carry.
• New inner tube – that matches your tire size. Shop Inner Tubes.
• Patch kit – for repairing small punctures. Shop Patch Kit.
• Pump or electric pump – a standard floor pump works fine, but the MOD Electric Pump makes inflating much faster and easier.
• MOD Maintenance Kit – includes most of these tools in one compact set. Ideal for at-home or on-the-road repairs. Shop the Kit.

Preparation

• Power off the bike

• Deflate the tire completely before removing it from the rim.

• Make sure you’re working in a clean, well-lit area.

Steps | All Models

Step 1: Prepare for Tube Removal

1. Unscrew the valve cap and set it aside somewhere safe so it doesn’t get lost.

2. Prepare two tire levers — like the Pedro’s Tire Levers from our shop — you’ll need them to separate the tire from the rim.

3. Mark the tire sidewall where the valve lines up using a chalk or small piece of tape. This will help you locate the puncture later.

4. Press down on the center of the valve to release the air from the inner tube.

Step 2: Separate the Tire from the Rim

1. Insert the first tire lever between the tire and rim, then pry the tire bead upward to start separating it from the rim.

2. Hook the first tire lever onto a spoke to keep the bead lifted and prevent it from slipping back into the rim.

3. Insert the second tire lever a few inches away from the first and slide it around the rim to lift more of the tire bead off the wheel.

4. Continue sliding the second tire lever around the rim until one side of the tire bead is completely lifted off the wheel.

Step 3: Remove the Inner Tube

1. Pull the inner tube out from under the tire, starting at the valve stem and working your way around the wheel.

2. Push the valve stem through the rim opening and lift the tube out completely from the tire.

3. Lift the inner tube fully out of the tire, pulling it gently to avoid tearing or stretching it.

Step 4: Identify and Remove the Cause of the Flat

1. Inflate the tube slightly and listen or feel for air escaping. Once you find the puncture, mark the spot with an X.

   • If the hole is small, you can patch it — follow the instructions in this video.

   • If the hole is too large or near the valve, replace the tube entirely.

2. Lay the patched or new tube over the tire, keeping the valve aligned with the mark you made on the tire.

3. Use that alignment to locate the area inside the tire where the puncture happened, then carefully inspect that section for debris. Remove any sharp objects.

4. Run your fingers gently all the way around the inside of the tire and along both walls to remove any sharp objects like glass or thorns.

Note: Make sure there’s nothing left inside the tire that could puncture the tube again before reinstalling it.

Step 5: Install the New Tube

1. Slightly inflate the new tube before installing it — this helps it keep its shape and makes it easier to fit inside the tire. Then place it inside the tire, aligning the valve stem with the valve hole in the rim. Make sure the tube sits evenly all the way around.

2. Insert the valve stem through the rim hole, making sure it’s straight and properly seated before fitting the rest of the tube inside.

3. Tuck the rest of the tube evenly inside the tire, ensuring it isn’t twisted or pinched.

4. Push the tire bead back onto the rim using your thumbs, then use a tire lever to help lift the last section of the tire bead over the rim edge, making sure not to pinch the inner tube.

Step 6: Inflate the Tire

1. Attach the pump to the valve and begin inflating the tire slowly. Using an electric pump can make this process faster and easier.

2. Check the tire sidewall for the recommended PSI range printed on the rubber. In this case, 40 PSI.

3. Inflate while slightly lifting the tire off the ground to prevent the rubber from bending or deforming under weight.

4. Inflate to the PSI indicated on your tire, using the gauge to confirm accurate pressure before disconnecting the pump.

Note: Different MOD BIKE models use different tires, each with its own recommended PSI range. Always check the sidewall of your tire for the correct pressure before inflating.

Step 7: Final Checks

• Check that the thin rubber line above the rim is evenly visible all around the wheel—this confirms the tire is seated straight and centered.

• Screw the valve cap back on to keep the valve clean and protected.

Tip: If changing or fixing a flat feels like a tedious process, we have the perfect solution — Tannus Armour.
It’s a protective liner that sits between your tire and inner tube, drastically reducing the chance of getting a flat in the first place.

Step 8: Remount the Wheel

• Once your tire is inflated and properly seated, follow these steps to remount your wheel.

Troubleshooting

• Tire won’t go back onto the rim → Make sure the inner tube is fully tucked inside and slightly deflated before seating the last section of the tire bead. Using a tire lever can help, but be careful not to pinch the tube.

• Tube keeps popping when inflated → The tire bead may be pinching the tube or the tube may not be evenly seated inside the tire. Deflate, reposition, and reinflate slowly.

• Air leaks after patching or replacing the tube → Check the valve core for tightness and make sure the patch is fully sealed. If leaks persist, replace the tube entirely.

• Tire looks uneven or wobbly when spinning → The tire bead might not be evenly seated. Deflate the tire and check that the rubber line above the rim is uniform all the way around, then reinflate.

• Wheel rubs against the fender or frame after reinstalling → The wheel may not be centered. Loosen the axle nuts slightly, realign the wheel, and retighten evenly.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove the wheel from the bike to fix a flat?
  Yes. Follow the steps in How to Remove and Remount Wheels before attempting to repair or replace the inner tube.

• Can I patch my tube instead of replacing it?
  Yes, as long as the puncture is small and not near the valve. For large holes, cuts, or damaged valves, replace the tube. Here’s a video that shows exactly how to patch your inner tube: Watch on YouTube

• What size tube do I need?
  Check the sidewall of your tire — it will show the correct size (for example, 20x4.0 or 26x2.3). Always match your replacement tube to that size.

• How much air should I put in my tires?
  MOD tires should be inflated to 35 PSI unless otherwise stated on the tire sidewall.

• How often should I check tire pressure?
  Check your tire pressure at least once a week or before every ride for best performance and longer tire life.

• Why does my tire keep going flat?
  There may be debris still lodged inside the tire or rim strip damage exposing the tube. Always inspect the inside of the tire carefully before reinstalling a new tube.

Warning

⚠️ Important Safety & Liability Notice

These instructions are provided as a general guide for MOD BIKES products. Always make sure that all bolts, nuts, and quick-release skewers are properly tightened and secured before riding. Improper installation or insufficient tightening can cause the wheel to detach while riding, leading to serious injury, damage, or loss.

MOD BIKES is not liable for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from incorrect installation, modification, or failure to follow these instructions.

If you are not confident performing these steps, seek assistance from a qualified MOD BIKES technician or authorized service provider. Always perform a complete safety check before riding to confirm both wheels are secure, brakes are functional, and the motor cable is properly connected.