One of the easiest ways to maintain your bicycle is to learn how to change its tires. Changing a bicycle tire doesn't require expensive tools or taking your bike into the shop. Anyone can learn how to change a tire in less than 10 minutes, whether you're on the road or in your garage.
Removing the Bicycle Tire from the Bicycle Frame
Step 1
Turn over the bicycle so it is resting on the top of its handle bars and the top of the seat. If you're lucky enough to have a bicycle shop rack, leave the bicycle right side up and secure it to the rack by the down tube.
Step 2
If you need to change the rear wheel, remove the old oil and dirt from the chain using a rag. It's easier to grip the chain and remove the wheel if the chain is not dirty and slippery.
Step 3
Loosen the quick-release lever or the nuts retaining the wheel axle to the bicycle frame. If you need to loosen the nuts on the axle, use an adjustable wrench. Small models are available that will easily fit in your tool bag for repairs on the road. Remove the wheel from the bicycle frame.
Step 4
If you need to change the tire on the rear wheel, pull the rear derailleur forward to allow slack in the drive chain, then loosen the quick-release lever or nut on the axle. Remove the wheel from the bicycle frame.
Removing the Tire from the Wheel
Step 1
Let all of the air out of the inner tube by pressing on the center of the valve stem using the valve stem cap or something else that has a small end.
Step 2
Insert the end of a tire lever between the bead of the tire and the inside of the wheel rim. Gently press down on the end of the tire lever until the tire bead slips over the edge of the wheel. Leave the tire lever in place.
Step 3
Insert the end of a second tire lever between the bead of the tire and the inside edge of the rim several inches from the first tire lever.
Step 4
Remove the first tire lever and repeat the step above until you've worked your way around the circumference of the tire. When you're finished, the entire bead on one side of the tire should be loose and hanging over the edge of the wheel rim.
Step 5
Repeat the steps to remove the bead from the other side of the tire from the rim. Slowly work your way around the tire until it is completely free of the wheel.
Replacing the Wheel on the Bicycle
Step 1
Inspect the inside of the wheel rim to make sure there are no foreign or sharp objects that could puncture the inner tube. Look underneath and on both sides of the inner tube.
Step 2
Set the new tire next to the wheel rim. Slip the edge of the tire bead over one edge of the rim. Continue slipping the tire bead over the edge of the rim until you have worked your way completely around the rim. You might need to use a tire lever for the last several inches of the tire.
Step 3
Slip the free tire bead over the edge of the wheel rim. Work your way slowly around the wheel, slipping the tire bead over the rim, several inches at a time. You might need to use the tire levers on the last several inches of the tire bead.
Step 4
Lay your hands over the tire with your palms down, gripping the areas just above the tire bead with your fingertips. Gently roll the tire back and forth to make sure the tire bead is completely seated inside the wheel rim. Work your way around the wheel until you're back at the beginning.
Step 5
Slowly inflate the inner tube using a hand pump until it is approximately 50 percent inflated. Do not totally inflate the inner tube. Repeat the step above, working your way around the wheel to make sure the inner tube and the tire are completely seated inside the edges of the wheel rim.
Step 6
Continue inflating the inner tube according to the manufacturer's directions and replace the valve stem cap.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're changing a tire on the side of the road, be sure to move completely away from traffic. Work slowly and methodically.
- If the weather is bad, move your bike inside under cover. Do not fully inflate the inner tube until you're sure the tire is well seated on the rim.
Member Comments