AOL Fix Your Flat

Before the meeting:

1. Locate a bike that can be used to change a flat tire.
2. Familiarize yourself with changing the tire on a bike.
3. Gather supplies and set up meeting space so Cub Scouts can see a demonstration of patching a bike tire and patching a tire on their own.

During the meeting:

1. Gather Cub Scouts and demonstrate changing a bike tire.
   • Remove the wheel. If the wheel has a quick release, open the lever and unscrew the skewer. If your bike has bolt-on or theftproof skewers, make sure you have the appropriate tools to remove them. Set the skewer aside and pull your wheel free.
   • Remove one side of the tire. let out the rest of the air from your tube to make tire removal easier. For a Presta valve, simply unscrew the tip and then press down. For Schraeder valves, use your thumbnail or a tool with a strong, fine tip to depress the inner needle.
   • Using the tire lever, hook it under the bead of the tire, just inside the rim. Pry the tire over the rim by bending the lever downward. Once you’ve opened the bead over the rim, slide the tire lever along the rim. The rest of the bead will come free as you go.
   • Find the puncture. The hole will be difficult to see, so you should listen or feel for air. Pump air into the tube to help find the leak. The more air you pump into the tube, the easier it will be to hear or feel the leak.
   • Patch the tube. Apply the patch according to the instructions. Spread glue on the area (if it requires glue) and place the patch.
   • Pump the tire up to the correct PSI.
2. Now it is the Cub Scouts turn.
   • Allow each Cub Scout to demonstrate removing the wheel from the bike. If using a single bike, have each Cub Scout remove and replace the wheel.
   • Have Cub Scouts buddy up. Provide them each a tire that has a small hole in it.
   • Have them work together to find the hole, patch it up, and inflate the tire.