A Simple Guide to Changing your Kids Flat Bike Tire

Riding a bike is a skill your child will stay with for life, despite the few scraped knees
they get when learning how to ride one. Besides riding a bike being fun and keeping
your little one physically active, it helps develop their motor planning ability. You may
not know it but it also helps your child learn how to multitask as they concentrate on
balancing, wheeling, knowing when to break and looking at their environment. Getting a
flat tire is part of the fan but it could be a little daunting for your little one if they want to
get back on their bike. Here is a simple guide on how to change your kid's flat bike tire
and have them riding again.

Round Up the Tools

Before you do anything else, you must make sure that you have the right tools for the
job. Lucky for you, bike tools are not many and heavy. You will need a spare tire/tube to
replace the flat one. If you plan on using the same tube, you will need a patch kit to
patch up a hole on the flat. Tire levers are also great to have although they are not
mandatory. These little tools help you remove your tire from the rim so you can replace
it. If you do not have them, you can use your hands. Finally, you will need a pump to fill
air into your new tire once you are done replacing it.

Get The Spare

If you do not have a spare tire with you, you can buy one from your local bike shop. You
will need to know the size you need for your kid's bike so that you do not buy the wrong
size. Check your kid's bike for the right size as most bikes have them written. If you do
not see it, worry not, you can try estimating using the great size charts found online or
simply taking the wheel with you to the shop. You may also consider buying it online
through sites like Amazon and eBay and have the tire delivered to your doorstep within
a few days or weeks depending on the shipping. Either way, you cannot change a flat
without a new one to replace the flat.

Release The Brakes

The first step is to release the brakes. Kids bike, like all other bikes, have brakes
assemblies seating very close to the tire. This makes it easy your kid to use them
whenever they are required. They have an easy release system and their exact location
will depend on the bike. It may have a small knob caught on a notch on the caliper arm,
so all you will need to do is squeeze the arms together to release the brakes. The
design may also be such that it has levers which should be opened to release the
brakes. If your kid's bike has disk brakes, you will need to be careful not to touch the
rotor because it can get hot enough to burn you as you open the quick-release
mechanism. The rotor is located close to the brake mechanism.
Release the Wheel
Your kid's bike wheel is still intact although the breaks the been released. They will be
held by the wheel axle on either the fork or flame depending on the while, either the
front or back. Check to see if the bike has a quick release axle or it has a bolt on nuts.
Most bikes will have a quick-release axle. If you will be changing the rear wheel, remove
the chain from the cog by shifting it with your hands and turn the little bike upside down.
Turn the quick-release axle until its fully open and pull back the rear derailleur, then lift
the wheel with your other hand. While changing the front wheel, all you will need to do is
open the axle and lift the wheel. You may need to unscrew the securing nut before
opening the axle. If the wheel is still secured, it means your little one's bike comes with
a release-and-retention system and you will need to check the manual or take it to a
bike pro.

Get The Tube

To remove the tube, gently insert the round end of the lever under the rim and pry the
tire up hooking it on the bike spokes on the other end. This may be all that you need to
do since you are changing your kid's bike. If it is not, repeat the process on the other
side. Be sure to start from the side opposite the valve to avoid damage to the valve
system. If you are using your hands, push the tire’s one bead edge sending it to the
center of the rim all round on both sides until it has been fully released. Remove the
tube by pulling out the valve stem first. Be careful that the sharp edges of the rim do not
damage your valve. Once the valve is out, it should be easy to pull out the rest of the
tube.

Discovering The Cause

Flat tires could be caused by nails, thorns, sharp stones or even glass. Begin by
checking your little ones tire for any damage causing instruments so that they do not
damage your newly repaired or new tube if they are still stuck on the tire. Start from the
outside and make your way to the inside. Once you are confident that the tire is good to
go, inflate the tube with air and check for escaping air.
If the hole is too small, a great trick is to bring the tube close to your eye and feel for air,
or submerge the tube in water and spot the bubbles. Having your little one spot the
bubble will be a fun way to have them help you fix their bike. Another awesome tip is to
keep the tire and tube in the same position so that once the damage on the tube is
discovered, you can check the same spot on the tire for damages and stuck objects. If
your little one's tube has no damage, check the valve system as it may be worn out,
cracked or cut. In this case, you will need to get a new tube. You may also look for
protruding spoke ends.

Fix The Damage

Now that you found the problem, clean the area and let it dry. Once dry, rough it up a
little with some sandpaper and spread vulcanizing glue on it. The importance of
roughing the area up a little is to help the glue stick. Let the glue dry until it is tacky then
apply the tube patch applying pressure on it till it sticks. Fill the tube with air and check
for any other damages. Once you are satisfied with the result, deflate the tube so that
you are able to put it back. Your little one is only a few steps away from getting back on
their bike!

Re-installation
Now that everything is all fixed, it is time to put everything back together and have your
little one enjoy their bike once more. First, make sure the rim is seated properly.
Partially inflate your new or fixed tube with air and start putting it back. Start by inserting
the valve into the rim valve hole making sure that it is straight and not at an angle. Now
push the bead back into the rim until the whole tube is back in place. This gets harder
as you proceed so be ready to use some extra muscle to pinch both sides to make
things easier. You could also use your tire lever to help you complete the job easier and
quicker.
Now check that you have done a great job and that the tube is not caught between the
tire bead and the rim. This will cause another flat sending you back to the beginning! It’s
now time to inflate the tire. Make sure you keep checking that the bead is firmly seated
and that the valve remains straight. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure using
a gauge or your thumb as a guide.

Back In Order
It’s finally time to reinstall the tire and have everything back in order. If you were
changing the front wheel, alight the axle with the fork after lighting up the dropout in the
fork with the axle. Hold the quick-release in place and tighten it, then close it and your
are done!
If you were changing the rear tire on the other hand, start by putting the tire back and
putting the chain back on the cog. Line up the dropouts on the frame with the axle. To
reduce resistance, pull the derailleur down as you lower the bike into place. Put back
the quick-release and tighten it to the point that it does not close too easily and touch
the frame. Remember to tighten the bolt at the end to secure it.

Now that you are done, it is time for some fun riding with your little one. Have them back
on their bike to test it and see what a great job you have done. If you plan on going on a
bike trail with your kid or family, make sure to carry your tools with your and include an
extra tube just in case you run into some trouble or meet someone who may need your
help. Have fun changing flat bike tires with your kid as you do riding bikes. It is a great
time to teach them a few things, and have some bonding time as well.
Sources
https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-change-a-bicycle-tire/view-all/
https://www.trails.com/how_8712_change-childs-bicycle-tire.html
https://www.teamestrogen.com/pages/how-to-change-a-bicycle-tire-without-levers
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/flat-tire.html