bike

Basic Bike Repairs: Fixing a Broken Chain and Flat Tire

Squires Lavina

Among the myriad components comprising a road or mountain bike, the chain and tires stand as paramount for propelling you forward. Acquiring the knowledge of two fundamental bike repairs—fixing a broken chain and addressing a flat tire—can spare you the inconvenience of being stranded mid-ride.

Thankfully, armed with a modest toolkit and a rudimentary understanding of your bike, you can undertake these repairs independently, circumventing the need to hike your bike home or incur expenses at a bike shop.

Let’s start with the assumption that you’ve come prepared with a toolkit containing the necessary implements for your bike. For repairing a broken chain, ensure you have the appropriate quick link for your chain type and a chain-breaker tool. Addressing a flat tire requires a compatible tube (even for tubeless tires), a tire tool, and a compact multi-tool. Just as you wouldn’t leave home without your phone, don’t venture out on your bike without these essentials.

Repairing a Broken Chain:

  1. Identify the broken link in the chain and remove it using the chain-breaker tool to push out the pin. Ensure you have two “female” ends available to accommodate the quick link.
  2. Retrieve the quick link from your toolkit, ensuring it matches your chain type (e.g., “11-speed” as indicated on the package).
  3. Position the “male” ends of the quick link opposite each other, paying attention to their orientation in relation to the direction of force exerted while pedaling.
  4. Insert the male ends through the corresponding openings in the chain links.
  5. Confirm that the indentations on either side of the quick link are aligned correctly, then exert outward pressure with both hands to secure the link. If necessary, pedal to cinch the link together, ensuring proper alignment.

Double-check the alignment before resuming your ride.

Addressing a Flat Tire:

Encountered a flat tire? Let’s remedy that:

  1. Utilize your multi-tool to remove the wheel with the flat tire. If it’s the rear tire, expect a bit more complexity and grease in the process.
  2. Shift gears to position the chain on the smallest gear of the cassette, facilitating easier wheel removal.