Changing a rear tire tube on a bike presents more of a challenge than changing the front tire tube. Whereas a front tire can come off in seconds by loosening its quick-release lever, a back tire has added complication of a typically dirty chain attached to the rear gear cassette that gets in the way.
Removing the Old Tube
Step 1
Pinch the brakes toward the rim to create slack in the brake cable. Pop the loosened cable free of its cradle so the brakes swing wide of the tire rim.
Step 2
Shift down to the smallest cog on the rear gear cassette. Turn the bike over so it balances on the saddle and the handlebars.
Step 3
Pull the quick-release lever open and rotate it counterclockwise while holding the nut on the other side. Hold the chain out of the way with a stick or rag and pull the wheel out of the dropouts.
Step 4
Remove the valve cap. Depress the valve cap to remove remaining air in the tube.
Step 5
Insert a plastic tire lever between the rim and the tire and snap it upright to carry the lip of the tire over the rim. Slide the lever around the rim to free the near edge of the tire.
Step 6
Push the valve stem through the hole in the rim. Pull the tube off the rim, leaving the tire in place.
Step 7
Run your fingers on the outside and inside of the tire to check for road debris; brush your fingers gently to avoid cutting them on embedded glass or nails. Remove any sharp objects that might immediately render the new tube flat.
Step 8
Run your index finger over the rim tape to make sure it covers the nipples holding the spokes in place so they don’t rub on the new tube.
Installing the New Tube
Step 1
Inflate the new tube with about 5 lbs. of pressure, just enough to give it a round shape but not so much that it becomes difficult to handle. Push the valve stem through the hole in the rim.
Step 2
Press the tube gently under the tire and onto the rim. Press your thumbs on the near edge of the tire to snap a starter section back on the rim, with enough control to avoid pinching the new tube. Work your hands around the tire, pressing additional sections back on to the rim. Use tire levers if necessary to snap the last section in place.
Step 3
Drop the rear wheel back in the dropouts. Tighten the quick-release lever and spin the wheel. Loosen the lever, align the wheel if necessary and retighten. Reattach the brake cable, turn the bike over and reinflate the tire. Screw the valve cap back on.
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