Whether you are building a bicycle from scratch or performing some basic maintenance, it is important to know how to properly assemble and install a wheel. Both the front and rear bicycle wheels are comprised of many of the same components: a wheel rim, an inflatable tube, a tire and an axle. However, the front wheel lacks the gear sprocket found on the rear wheel and requires the use of a slightly different installation procedure.
Step 1
Grip the end of the rim tape and begin unraveling it from the roll. When you reach the hole for the tube valve, place the tape over the wheel rim. Align the hole on the rim with the hole on the tape.
Step 2
Push down on the surface of the tape, then begin wrapping the remainder of the tape around the wheel rim. Allow the edges of the tape to overlap by several inches, but keep the valve hole clear. Cut off the excess rim tape.
Step 3
Fit the end of the bicycle pump onto the end of the tire tube valve. Push down on the top of the bicycle pump until the tube is partially inflated. Insert the tube into the interior of the bicycle tire. Position the tire tube valve next to the recommended pressure label printed on the side of the tire.
Step 4
Insert the tire tube valve into the hole on the wheel rim. Pull one edge of the tire onto the wheel rim. If you have difficulty getting the tire on, use a tire lever for assistance. Work your way around the tire until you have it properly in place on the wheel rim.
Step 5
Fit the end of the bicycle pump onto the end of the tire tube and add a little more air. Check the sides of the wheel to confirm that the tire is properly installed. Resume inflating the tire tube; check the pressure gauge periodically to avoid over-inflating the tire tube.
Step 6
Apply a small amount of machine grease to the wheel axle. Slide the axle through the wheel hub. Fit the axle into the brackets at the end of the bicycle's front fork. Fit washers and nuts over each end of the axle. Tighten the nuts to secure the wheel in place.
Step 7
Fit your bicycle's brake mechanism onto the wheel's rim or hub, depending on the model of brake installed. Tighten the screws or nuts attached to the brake mechanism to secure the component in place. Adjust the brake pads such that they only make contact with the wheel when you press the bike lever.
Things You'll Need
- Wheel rim
- Rim tape
- Utility knife or scissors
- Bicycle tire tube
- Bicycle tire
- Bicycle pump
- Tire levers
- Axle
- Machine grease
- Nuts
- Washers
- Open-end wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers
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