Changing a flat road bike tire is one of the inevitable events that happens to everyone who rides a bicycle. Whether you pick up a nail on the side of the road or you discover a flat tire while your bicycle is in the garage, knowing how to perform this easy job will help you avoid paying high repair costs at a bicycle shop. It's easy to learn, requires little in the way of tools and takes around 15 minutes.
Removing the Wheel from the Frame
Step 1
Turn your bicycle upside down, resting it on the top of the handle bars and the top of the seat. If you're using a bicycle workstand, leave the bicycle right side up and clamp the downtube into the workstand.
Step 2
Clean the chain by wiping an old rag over its entire length. It is much easier to handle the chain and other bicycle parts if the drive train is free from dirt, oil and grease.
Step 3
Loosen the axle on the wheel by either freeing the quick-release skewer or loosening the nut on the end of the axle using an adjustable end wrench. Pull the wheel away from the frame until it is free. If you're removing the rear wheel, pull the derailleur back to free the chain from the rear gear cassette.
Step 4
Let the air out of the tire by removing the valve stem cap and pressing down on the center of the valve stem with a pointed object. When all of the air is out of the inner tube, remove the retaining nut that secures the valve stem to the rim.
Step 5
Insert the end of a tire lever between the tire bead and the inside of the wheel rim. Press down on the other end of the tire lever to pry the tire bead over the edge of the rim.
Step 6
Insert the end of the second tire lever several inches away from the first lever, between the tire bead and the inside edge of the rim. Press down on the other end of the lever and pry the bead over the edge of the rim. Continue alternating tire levers until you have pried the entire tire bead off of the rim.
Step 7
Insert the end of a tire lever between the other tire bead and the inside of the rim. Press down on the other end of the lever and pry the bead off of the rim. Insert the end of the second tire lever several inches away from the first lever, between the tire bead and the inside edge of the rim. Press down on the other end of the lever and pry the bead over the edge of the rim. Continue alternating tire levers until you have pried the second bead off of the rim. Remove the tire and store it in a safe place until you're ready to put it back on the rim.
Step 8
Remove the inner tube from the inside of the wheel rim. You can either patch the tube and use it for emergencies or recycle it.
Installing the Wheel on the Frame
Step 1
Inspect the inside of the wheel rim where the inner tube lies. Be sure that there are no nails or other sharp objects that can puncture the new inner tube. Take your time and look all the way around the rim. Inspect the inside of the tire in a similar fashion, making sure that there are no nails or other sharp objects lodged in the tire where they could damage the new inner tube.
Step 2
Lay a new inner tube along the inside of the wheel rim and press the valve stem through the valve stem hole. Be sure the tube is free of twists or kinks that could cause a flat.
Step 3
Slip the tire over the edge of the rim by guiding the tire bead over the edge of the rim and over the inner tube. Slowly move around the wheel, taking care to position the tire bead between the inner tube and the inside of the rim. Use the tire levers to pry the last several inches of the the tire bead over the edge of the rim.
Step 4
Slip the second tire bead over the edge of the rim. Work your way around the the wheel until the entire bead is resting between the inner tube and the inside of the rim. You may need to use the tire levers to pry the last several inches of the tire bead onto to the rim. Be sure that the section of the tire next to the valve stem is completely seated.
Step 5
Cup the tire with your hands, placing your thumbs and fingers against the sidewalls. Rock the tire back and forth as you work around the wheel to ensure that the tire is completely seated inside the wheel rim.
Step 6
Inflate the inner tube approximately 50 percent using a hand pump. Rock the tire back and forth to ensure that the tire beads are completely seated inside the edges of the rim. Work your way slowly around the wheel and make sure that the bead is seated completely around the entire wheel. Replace the valve stem nut and tighten.
Step 7
Inflate the tire to the manufacturer's specifications using a hand pump or air compressor. Replace the valve stem cap.
Step 8
Mount the wheel onto the frame. Tighten the axle by pressing down on the quick-release skewer or tightening the nut on the end of the axle. Store the end wrench and tire levers in the tool kit bag underneath the bicycle seat.
Tips and Warnings
- Move your bicycle out of the way of traffic or other hazards before starting. Work slowly and methodically. Remember to fully inflate the inner tube after mounting the tire.
- Avoid pinching the inner tube with the end of the tire levers. Be careful not to overinflate the inner tube.
Things You'll Need
- Set of tire levers
- Old rag
- End wrench
- Bicycle workstand (optional)
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