Hi, recently my bicycle tire has a small leak that causes it to go flat very quickly. I do not think I have to replace the entire tire, but I’m not sure where to find any kind of spray solution to fix it.
I saw fix a flat on Amazon for 9000¥, but wondering if there’s anything cheaper anyone recommends?
The hole isn’t big enough to reliably use a patching kit( so small I can’t really see it)
10 comments
Local shop will probably fix it for around 1000 yen.
First, check if your valve is loose. tighten it and check. If it’s still leaking ↓
Prepare bucket with soapy water or spray bottle with soapy water. Take out inner tube, fill with air, and dunk in bucket or spray with bottle. If you see bubbles forming, that’s your leak, go around whole tire even if you find a leak, you might have more than one.
Mark the holes with a magic marker. Go to any 100yen shop and get the patch kit and apply.
it’s super easy
There’s also the probability that the pump insert gasket (a small rubber tube) broke off.
I found out the problem this morning.
An easy ¥200 fix.
You can get a patch kit at any 100 yen shop; if the tube is too bad to patch, it’s still a lot less to replace it yourself than to ask a shop.
You could google how to do it or just ask me.
That fix-a-flat stuff could cause you more problems down the line: gummed up air valve, tube glued to tire, etc.
Tubes cost less than ¥500, plastic tire levers about the same, and searching “change tire tube” on YouTube is free. It’s a bitch to do your first time, but you can do it! You’ll get a few moments of zen, the chance to practice your swearing, and you’ll learn a new skill by the end!
Most bike shops will do it for around 1000yen.
Or watch some YouTube videos, go to 100-shop and buy a kit that includes everything you need to fix yourself. I did mine a few times and it’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
You could probably purchase a new tire for less than that if you looked around. The fix a flat will come in handy if you want to DIY on the road proper when the incident happens, and you think the wait for help is too long, or expensive.
I found this [tire repair set](https://blog-imgs-50-origin.fc2.com/b/i/k/bikepottering/20130509_daiso_instant_puncture_repair_01.jpg) at a daiso. You spray it into the tire and it will glue tiny leaks. Haven’t tried it myself yet. It says 300 yen on the picture but now it’s sold for 200 yen at Daiso.
Put it underwater you will locate the leak easily. Then mark it and fix it. Alternatively, buy a new inner tube. Don’t buy a spray it’s shit and only viable for emergencies.
First check the valve. If the rubber is defective, buy a piece it in Daiso (110 yen), cut it to the right length and replace it. If it’s not the valve, replace the tube for ~500 yen.