Originally Posted by
steph746
I want to learn how to repair a flat, but especially for the rear tire it looks involved and something that I might not be able to do. How involved is changed a rear flat?
Park Tool has a bunch of how-to articles (many with videos) on their website. Here are the ones describing tire/tube replacement and repairs.
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/...&area%5B%5D=60
With most bikes, it's not that difficult. Easily done with a couple of tools.
Originally Posted by
steph746
Also (and perhaps dumb question), if a nail goes through the tire, the tire should still be ok? Just the tube would either need to be patched and/or replaced?
It'll depend where that nail went in. As with car tires, damage (holes) at some spots can impact the tire's structural integrity.
On my own bike, a smaller nail or screw through the "bottom" of the tire will require tube repair or replacement. But it's been a long time since I bothered attempting to repair a tire. Most holes are so puny that it won't matter (except for having punctured the tube). Anything larger, and I just replace the tire.
Car tire shops have a repair method on the inside of the tire surface. DiscountTire (America's Tire), for example, uses a good-sized patch and a "glue" that essentially slightly welds together the patch and tire. I haven't looked, but I would be surprised if there aren't similar products for bike tires. Or perhaps a car tire shop would be willing to sell a half dozen of them to a bike owner.