A flat-fixing time trial

of international renown*

*not recognized by the International Association of Bicycle Flat Tire Repair Competition (IAOBFTRC)  

Yes, this is a real competition...

How fast can YOU change a flat tire? We’ll be running in-person flat-fixing time trials throughout the year at different events. We’ll have specific equipment and protocols to keep everything consistent. We’re gonna have a ton of fun. We’re gonna have prizes.

…and a place to learn flat repair.

Haven’t fixed a flat tire before? We’ve got you. At every International Bicycle Flat Repair World Series event, we’re going to be doing basic flat repair workshops on the hour, every hour. Because repair knowledge is power and freedom and for everyone. Seriously.

Images this section by Joel Villanoz @villanozvisuals

We all start somewhere.

International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series partners:

presented by

2024 events:

2025 events TBA!

How it works

Participation:

Participation is free and first-come, first-served at each event. We love you all. Let’s change some flats and cheer each other on.

Categories:

All sanctioned International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series will feature the following categories:

Floor Pump Division

Hand Pump Division

  • Flat fixin’ on hard-mode. All the same rules…except with a ‘lil hand pump as if you were roadside. All competitors will use the SILCA Gravelero mini-pump.

Tools & Equipment:

All sanctioned International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series 2024 events will use the following tools & equipment:

The Rules

This is how we do it.

It’s not a competition unless we’re all following the rules. So here’s the deal:

Click the layout diagram to zoom in!

Preparation & Layout:

  • Prior to engaging in competition, all equipment must be prepared and arranged by event staff or volunteers:

    • Sanitation: All tools and equipment to be wiped down with isopropyl spray between each competitor

    • Competitor Zone - 6’ diameter clear space, with additional 1’ clear space on all sides for tools & equipment (see regulation layout diagram)

    • Floor pump or hand pump - Centered in center of 6' diameter competitor zone.
      Standard equipment: Silca Terra floor pump or Silca Gravelero hand pump (see regulation layout diagram)

    • Complete wheel - Leaned against Timerboard facing competitor, in front of tube, outside competitor zone, with tire mounted on rim and uninflated tube installed.
      Standard equipment: Quality Wheels WTB i23 700c, Teravail Cannonball 700x47 light & supple.

    • Tire levers - two levers will be available, placed on either side of start/stop button module on timer board, with bead hook facing down and away from competitor
      Standard equipment: Silca Tire Levers Premio (see regulation layout diagram).

    • Spare tube - Hung behind start/stop button module on timer board
      Standard equipment: Teravail 700c presta valve tube (see regulation layout diagram).

    • Stopwatch - Placed with start/stop button module facing toward center of competitor zone and button a minimum of 3' and maximum of 4' from pump (see regulation layout diagram).

Competition:

  • Sign-in using the QR code (or manual form) at the event - All competitors must sign the International Flat Tire World Series registration and waiver prior to participating.

  • Starting Position - Competitors must stage in the center of the Competitor Zone with one foot touching the pump.

  • Timing Start - The competitor starts the stopclock using the button in the Competitor Zone perimeter.

  • Flat-Fixing Process - Because this competition is using “simulated” flats (deflated, functional tubes), all competitors must:

    • Start the clock!

    • Remove the existing tube from the complete wheel

    • Replace the existing tube with the spare tube

    • Re-seat the tire

    • Floor pump: Inflate to at least 35 PSI, to be confirmed by staff.

    • Hand pump: Inflate to at least 35 PSI, to be confirmed by staff.

    • Remove the pump chuck from the valve

    • Seal the presta valve

    • Stop the clock!

  • Timing Stop - Timing ends when competitor completes the items listed above and presses the stopclock button.

  • Disqualification - Ok so first…we’re out here to have fun, hype each other, and learn. To rank these races, we’ve got to keep the rules in mind.

    • Floor Pump: If the competitor has stopped the clock and has not exceeded 35 PSI, this will count as a Disqualification.

    • Hand Pump: Since the hand pumps do not have a gauge, we have a grace rule expanding the disqualification window. You can use our judge’s gauge…but you’re wasting sweet time…

    • Everyone: If the tube has a puncture, bubble outside the bead, or other malady from the repair, this will count as a Disqualification. If a competitor is verbally abusive to staff, volunteers, or other competitors, believe it or not, Disqualification.

Rankings, Prizes, & Partners:

This is a series. So there will be ranking, recognition, and prizes for each event…as well as the whole series. We figure it makes sense for the season to match a calendar year. See complete standings here.

The State Bicycle Co. x Bob Marley 4130 Road+ 8 speed that a lucky IBFTWS participant is going to win during our championship in October at Grassroots Gravel 2024.

Podiums & Prizes:

  • Event Ranking: Participants will be ranked from lowest to highest time to complete the flat fixin’. There will be virtual podiums for each Series event as well as an overall Championship for the International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series.

  • Championship Tourney: The top finishers from each event will be invited to the International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series Single-Elimination Championship Tourney at the Grassroots Gravel afterparty on October 12th.

  • Podiums:

    • Podiums will include 1st, 2nd, & 3rd overall in the Floor Pump and Hand Pump Divisions

    • Podiums will be featured on our social media and the International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series website. Podium participants will be notified via text, email, or social tag/message.

  • Prizes:

    The fastest overall competitor from each event will be eligible to receive the items below AND we’ll be running other award categories throughout the season.

International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series partners: