How to Repair a Damaged Tubeless Tire: Quick and Effective Methods

Learn step-by-step methods for repairing a damaged tubeless tire, from plugs to stitching.
Rubber is an expensive and naturally occurring resource that is under increasing demand every year. We love tossing a new set of racing tires or an inspiring freshie feel out front on the dusty local trails while trying to stay upright. In hot weather or in the cooler, wet months, I'll happily lower my tires as traction is not a problem, especially in the rear, as it's nice to let the rear slide, and it's a good way to gain. confidence in turning at reduced speed.
As tires wear down, their casing becomes thinner, less resistant to normal road wear, and more likely to be punctured or cut. Here are some tips on how to repair a damaged tubeless tire, especially if it has plenty of life left and was prematurely dislodged by a mishandled line or sniper rock.
READ: Trail and Enduro MTB Tire Test – 24 tires ridden and measured
The type of repair work required really depends on the size of the puncture: the bigger or longer the hole, the more effort is required to get that tire closed again.
Repair a damaged tubeless tire: plug or bacon strip.
Plugs and bacon strips are great for small holes and can often be moved to the side of the trail, sometimes even before the tire is fully deflated and can save time on re-inflating.

On the bike, I always have the plug and driver within easy reach: one in my hip fanny pack and one on my own bike at the bar end. Both are loaded and ready to go within seconds of airing out. While a clean, dirt-free hole in a tire is usually easy to fix, plugs and bacon strips (made of fiber strips and sticky adhesive) will stick to anything.
It is doubled and forced through the hole, leaving a small amount exposed. Finally, trim the excess flush with the knobs around it so it doesn't rub against your fork or frame and pull out under the brake or throttle. I've had live plugs on a set of old test wheels for years. Once there, these can determine the life of the tire.

On the track, larger holes may require more threads to stop the leak. For a bit, I used a small stick and 4 plugs. Once it's connected, rotate it down and let the remaining cap on the tire glue your artwork in place.
Mushroom Plug
A Mushroom plug is a specific tubeless tire repair technique that consists of a mushroom-shaped rubber plug tapered at one end with a metal tip used to puncture or puncture the tire. Then grab it with an apron and pull it taut, closing the hole.

Using a mushroom plug, apply a liberal amount of rubber cement to the head and stem and allow to dry to the touch. While waiting for the cement to dry, clean/scrape the inside of the tire where it is being repaired, removing any old sealant or dirt. A clean cloth and isopropanol or brake cleaner can be a surefire way to make sure the plug sticks. Insert the tip of the metal into the hole of the tire and pull firmly until the head of the mushroom plug is attached to the inside of the tire. Give the plug a few minutes, then put it back in and inflate the tire, rotating the plug down again so the valve can work its magic inside.


I keep a small and large mushroom in my trail kit for those big flats that last a ride. The air will probably escape quickly, and you can find a place to stay and fix it, which is always better than a long trip.
Sewing the wheel
In extreme cases, the rim of the tire can be cut with something sharp (like the stones of my area, Stromlo) and damaged so much that the case is cut through. The only way to fix this is to glue it together and plug it in, making it waterproof again. We would only recommend this if the tire has life left in it, as it won't be as strong or provide the same impact resistance in this area.

Clean the area thoroughly. Using a heavy needle or a tapestry needle (or whatever you can find), sew the opposite sides of the cut together,which do not make it too tight and join the two layers. They are strong enough to meet and not overlap. A thimble can be used to push the needle if the casing is tight. Liberally apply rubber cement to the inside of the tire and patch and let them touch dry. Apply the patch to the inside of the tire and let it cure.
Put the tire back on, and once it's inflated, rotate the stitched and deflated area down so that the cap covers any small holes (which should be covered by the patch) and you're back on the tracks.
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