Friday night I'm on my bike, coming home from work, cruising along at 20 mph with that happy end-of-the-week feeling. Then, a thump and a loud hiss as the air rapidly drains from my front tire. Ah, yes, a flat.

"Um, honey? Yeah, I'll be home just a bit later than expected."

The most essential and basic repair you need to know is how to fix a flat tire on your bike. It will happen eventually, so if you've never had someone show you how it's done, here's where to learn how to fix a flat tire.

Image (c) Jennifer Purcell