If you spend any amount of time on the road or trail, you'll eventually find yourself in the position of having to replace a bicycle tire. Whether it's a sleek road machine or a heavy-duty mountain bike, the process is the same. All you need is a quiet place off the road, a bicycle pump and a few simple tools.
Removing the Old Bicycle Tire
Step 1
Turn over the bicycle so it is resting on the top of the handle bars and the seat. You can lean the bicycle against a wall or tree to steady the frame while you're replacing the tire.
Step 2
Loosen the quick-release skewers that secure the axle to the frame. Remove the wheel from the frame. If you're removing the rear wheel, you might want to run an old rag over the chain before removing the wheel. Dirt and grease make it difficult handling bicycle parts.
Step 3
Release the air out of the tire by pressing down on the center of the valve stem.
Step 4
Insert the end of a tire lever between the edge of the tire bead and the inside edge of the rim. Press down on the other end of the tire lever to pry the tire bead over the edge of the rim.
Step 5
Insert the end of the second tire lever between the tire bead and the inside edge of the rim, several inches from the first tire lever. Press down on the end of the tire lever and pry the bead over the top of the rim. Continue working your way around the tire, alternating the two tire levers.
Step 6
Once the bead of one of the sides of the tire is completely off of the rim, repeat the steps above until the second tire bead is off of the wheel. Remove and recycle the old tire.
Installing the New Bicycle Tire
Step 1
Make sure the new tire is appropriate for your bicycle by checking the size of the new tire against the size of the old tire. Never try to install the wrong size tire on your bicycle. Check if the tire has a manufacturer suggested rolling direction. Some tires are meant to be installed in a specific direction and rolling pattern.
Step 2
Lay the new tire over the wheel. Using your hands, roll the bead on one side of the tire over the edge of the rim. Work your way around the wheel, rolling the bead over the edge of the rim. If the bead fits snugly against the rim, you might need to use the tire levers for the last several inches.
Step 3
Repeat the steps above to roll the other tire bead over the edge of the rim. Work slowly, making sure the tire bead is completely seated against the inside of the rim. You might need to use the tire levers for the last several inches of the tire.
Step 4
Inflate the inner tube approximately 50 percent of the recommended pressure. Gently roll the tire back and forth inside the tire rim to make sure the beads on both sides of the tire are completely seated against the inside of the rim.
Step 5
Continue inflating the inner tube according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the tire to be sure both beads are seated on the rim before installing the wheel on the frame.
Tips and Warnings
- Find a place to work that is away from traffic or other hazards. Work slowly to make sure the tire beads are completely seated.
- If it's dark outside, move your bicycle underneath a light before beginning work. Be careful not to puncture the inner tube with the ends of the tire levers.
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