Changing the rear tire of a 3 speed bicycle is somewhat different than on other multi-gear bikes. Unlike most multi-gear bicycles, which use a separate derailleur to shift from one gear to another, 3 speed bicycles have an internal gearing system within the wheel hub. A cable runs from a shift lever on the handlebars down the frame of the bicycle, to either a lever assembly or a shifter chain that inserts into the wheel hub. You must first disconnect this cable from the chain. This allows you to remove the wheel and replace the tire.
Step 1
Put your bike in a bicycle work stand.
Step 2
Place the shift lever in high gear to release the tension on the shift cable. Unscrew the knurled nut at the end of the shift cable from either the lever assembly or the end of the shifter chain at the axle of the rear wheel.
Step 3
Loosen the axle nuts on either side of the wheel. Carefully, slide the wheel out of the dropouts on the bicycle frame. Remove the drive chain from the gear on the wheel hub.
Step 4
Remove the valve cover from the valve stem and set it aside. Open the valve to deflate the tire.
Step 5
Position the flat end of a plastic tire lever along the rim of the bicycle wheel and opposite one of the spokes on that side of the wheel. Insert the end of the tire lever into the space between the tire bead and the wheel rim. Push the lever toward the center of the wheel to pry the tire bead up and over the rim. Place the hooked end of the tire lever onto the spoke to hold the lever in place.
Step 6
Insert another tire lever between the bead and the rim at the next spoke over. Pry the bead up and hook that lever to the nearest spoke. Insert a third lever at the next spoke. Pry the bead up and hook that lever to the nearest spoke. Remove the middle tire lever and move it over to pry the bead on the other side of the third tire lever. Continue to work these tire levers over each other until the bead comes free from the rim completely.
Step 7
Press the other tire bead against the wheel rim with your hands and push the tire off the rim. Remove the inner tube, if you plan to reuse it.
Step 8
Position one edge of the bead on the new tire over the edge of the wheel rim. Work around both sides of the tire bead with your thumbs to press the bead over the rim. Continue until the bead is completely on the rim.
Step 9
Inflate the inner tube, slightly, with the bicycle pump. Place the inflated inner tube into the new tire and position the valve stem at the valve hole in the wheel rim. Slip the valve stem through the hole. Deflate the inner tube. Press the remaining tire bead onto the wheel rim with your thumbs until the entire bead is on the rim.
Step 10
Inflate the inner tube with the bicycle pump to the proper pressure. Replace the valve cover.
Step 11
Place the drive chain on the gear on the wheel hub. Slide the wheel axle back into the dropouts on the bicycle frame. Center the wheel to the frame and ensure the drive chain is tensioned properly. Tighten the axle nuts.
Step 12
Re-attach the knurled nut on the end of the shift cable to either the lever assembly or the end of the shifter chain at the axle. Turn the pedals and shift through the gears to ensure the bike is shifting properly. Adjust the knurled nut as needed to ensure the gears shift properly.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle work stand
- Adjustable wrench
- 3 Plastic tire levers
- Bicycle pump
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