One of the simplest ways to maintain your bicycle is to make sure you never allow your tires to become worn or in need of repair. Cut or worn-out tires are not only dangerous to ride on, they can hamper your speed and take all of the pleasure out of riding. There's no need to ride on worn tires when they're so easy to replace.
Removing the Rear Tire from the Bicycle Frame
Step 1
Move your bicycle to the side of the road or into the garage, away from traffic and other dangers. If you have a bicycle work stand, clamp the bicycle frame into it with the down tube. If you don't have a work stand, turn the bicycle over and rest it on the top of its handle bars and the top of the seat. You can also lean the bike against a wall or other sturdy object to keep it from moving.
Step 2
Wipe the chain clean of dirt, dust and grease using an old rag.
Step 3
Loosen the rear axle nut or skewer and pull the rear derailleur back with one hand while pulling up on the rear wheel with the other hand. The entire rear wheel should come free with little effort.
Step 4
Unscrew the valve stem cap. Using the pointed end, press down on the center of the valve stem to let the air out of the inner tube. Press down with your hands on the tire until all of the air is out of the inner tube.
Step 5
Insert the end of a tire lever between the bead of the tire and the inside edge of the rim. Push down on the other end of the tire lever to pry the tire bead over the edge of the rim. Be careful not to catch the inner tube between the tire and the tire lever--it could puncture the inner tube.
Step 6
Insert the end of the second tire lever between the bead of the tire and the inside of the rim several inches away from the first tire iron. Push down on the end of the tire iron to pry the bead over the edge of the rim. Continue working around the wheel until you have the entire bead resting on the outside of the rim.
Step 7
Repeat the process to remove the other tire bead from the rim. Slowly work your way around the tire using the two tire levers until the tire is completely off of the wheel. Recycle the old tire and locate the new tire for installation.
Installing the New Rear Tire
Step 1
Lay down the new tire against the rear wheel. Inspect the tire for indications of rolling direction. Most tires are made to roll in either direction, but some are designed to be mounted in only one way.
Step 2
Grip the top of the tire and roll the bead on one side of the tire over the side of the wheel rim. Work your way slowly around the wheel until the last several inches. If the tire bead is too tight to allow you to roll it over the rim with your hands, use the tire levers to pry the tire bead onto the last few inches of the rim. Repeat as many times as necessary until the entire bead is between the two edges of the rim, over the inner tube.
Step 3
Make sure the bead of the tire is against the inside of the rim, completely around the wheel. Repeat the process to roll the other tire bead inside the wheel rim, between the inner tube and the rim. Work your way slowly around the wheel. If the last few inches of the tire bead will not easily slide onto the rim, insert the end of a tire lever between the tire bead and the inside of the rim. Pull up on the other end of the tire lever until the bead slips inside the wheel rim. Repeat as many times as necessary until the whole tire is inside the two edges of the rim.
Step 4
Cup your hands over the top of the tire with your thumb on one sidewall and your fingertips on the other sidewall. Slowly rock the tire back and forth to make sure both beads of the tire are seated inside the tire rim and they are not pinching the inner tube. Continue working your way around the wheel until you are sure both beads are completely seated all the way around the rim.
Step 5
Inflate the rear inner tube using hand pump to approximately 50 percent of the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Cup your hands over the tire, and rock the tire back and forth to make sure the tire beads are still against the seated inside of the wheel rim. Work your way slowly around the wheel until you're back at the starting point.
Step 6
Finish inflating the rear tire using a hand pump or air compressor to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Replace the valve stem cap and slide the wheel back onto the bicycle frame while pulling back on the rear derailleur. Tighten the rear axle. Turn the bicycle over so it is resting on it's wheels.
Tips and Warnings
- Always move your bicycle to the side of the road away from traffic. Make sure there is plenty of light before beginning work. Inspect the inside of the wheel for sharp objects before replacing the tire.
- Avoid pinching the inner tube with the tire levers. Do not overinflate the inner tube.
Member Comments