A flat tire is probably the most common mechanical incident during a bike trip. In the city, the problem is usually easily resolved at a nearby workshop. When bikepacking, it's a completely different story. A flat tire can occur dozens of kilometers from the nearest town, whether on the gravel roads of Île-de-France, during a crossing of the Loire Valley, or on the roads of Burgundy.
Fortunately, in most cases, it is possible to repair and get back on the road directly in the field, provided you are well prepared and know how to react.
With the experts from Routes and Roads, let's see what to do in case of a flat tire while bikepacking, what equipment to bring, and how to limit the risks.
Table of Contents:
What causes flat tires
What to include in your repair kit
How to repair a flat inner tube
How to repair a tubeless flat
When it becomes dangerous to continue riding
How to limit the risk of flat tires
Conclusion
What causes flat tires
Many cyclists new to bike touring think that quality tires are enough to avoid flat tires. In reality, no tire can guarantee total protection. Over the miles, wheels are exposed to sharp stones, metal debris, glass shards, thorns, and many other obstacles. The weight of panniers and equipment also increases the stress on the wheels.
Flat tires are particularly common on gravel roads and routes popular with bikepacking enthusiasts in France. It is therefore better to know how to handle this type of unforeseen event without assistance.
During any ride, tires are constantly subjected to high stress
What to include in your repair kit
Even for a day trip out of town, it's advisable to bring a minimum of equipment to deal with a flat tire.
The repair kit generally includes:
- a spare inner tube;
- tire levers;
- a pump or a compact CO₂ cartridge;
- a multi-tool;
- a patch kit;
- a quick link and a chain tool for long-distance routes.
If your bike is equipped with tubeless wheels, also bring a tubeless repair kit and a small reserve of sealant.
Many experienced bikepackers choose to carry both an inner tube and a tubeless repair kit. This solution allows them to solve most problems, even far from any workshop.
Always carry a repair kit, even for a short ride
How to repair a flat inner tube
If your bike is equipped with a classic inner tube, the procedure remains relatively simple:
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Start by stopping in a safe place and inspecting the tire. In some cases, the cause of the flat is immediately obvious: a shard of glass, a thorn, or another sharp object.
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Then remove the wheel and carefully detach one side of the tire using tire levers. Take out the inner tube and locate where it was punctured.
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The most common mistake is to replace the inner tube without checking the tire. Before installing a new inner tube, always take the time to check the inside of the tire to ensure that no sharp object is still stuck there. Otherwise, you risk getting another flat a few minutes later.
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In most situations, the quickest solution is to install a spare inner tube and then get back on the road. The damaged tube can be repaired later, during a break or once you arrive at camp.
Inspect the inside of the tire before fitting a new inner tube
How to repair a tubeless flat
Today, many gravel and bikepacking bikes are equipped with tubeless tires.
In most cases, small punctures are automatically sealed by the sealant. Sometimes it is enough to stop, position the damaged area downwards, and wait a few seconds for the liquid to block the hole.
If that's not enough, you'll need to use a tubeless repair plug. This is inserted into the puncture with the tool provided in the kit, before reinflating the tire.
In case of more significant damage, installing a classic inner tube may become necessary. This is why it is always recommended to carry a spare inner tube, even with a tubeless setup.
Sealant automatically seals small punctures
When it becomes dangerous to continue riding
Some punctures cannot be effectively repaired on site.
This is particularly the case in the presence of:
- large cuts on the tire sidewall;
- rim damage;
- tire deformations;
- repeated pressure loss despite repair;
- damaged valve.
If the problem cannot be solved with the equipment you have, it's better to avoid taking risks and reach the nearest workshop or town as safely as possible.
How to limit the risk of flat tires
While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of punctures, a few precautions can significantly reduce their frequency.
Before you leave, remember to:
- check the condition of your tires;
- check for cuts or cracks;
- maintain appropriate pressure;
- regularly refresh the sealant in a tubeless system;
- choose tires suited to the terrain.
For bikepacking, many cyclists prefer tires with reinforced puncture protection. Placed under the tread, this extra layer helps protect the inner tube or tubeless system from small punctures caused by glass shards, thorns, or sharp stones. It doesn't completely eliminate the risk of punctures, but it significantly reduces the chances of having to stop mid-ride.
Check the condition of your tires and don't forget to bring your repair kit
Conclusion
A flat tire is no reason to end a trip. In most situations, a basic repair kit and some mechanical knowledge are enough to get back on the road quickly.
When preparing for a bikepacking trip, it's important not to limit yourself to choosing the bike and equipment. Mastering the simplest mechanical operations, knowing how to replace an inner tube or repair a tubeless tire are also useful skills to acquire before departure. A few trials at home can often help build confidence and approach the route with much more serenity.
The experts at Routes and Roads will help you choose your tires, pumps, repair kits, and other bikepacking equipment so that, even far from Paris and large cities, you'll be ready to face most minor mechanical breakdowns encountered on the road.
