Knowing how to change a tire is one of the most essential skills for a bike rider. However, changing the rear tire on a bicycle presents a unique challenge in that you must remove it from the chain in the process of changing it. Knowing how to change your tire quickly will greatly reduce the time you spend with flats and get you back riding. Changing your tire only requires a few tools, so you will be able to carry everything you need with you while cycling in case of an emergency.
Step 1
Hold the bike with the rear wheel raised and turn the pedal crank forward to spin the rear wheel. Shift the chain to the smallest chain ring on the front and then shift it to the smallest gear cog in the back while the wheel is still spinning. This creates the maximum amount of slack in the chain.
Step 2
Squeeze the rear brake lever on your handlebar and then disengage the rear brake. For cantilever brakes, lift the pad lever up to do this. For V-brakes, pull the cable out of the clip between the pad levers to disengage them.
Step 3
Remove the valve stem cover from the rear wheel and deflate the tire. Pull back on the rear derailleur until it is pointing toward the rear of the bicycle instead of up like normal. Turn the quick-release lever on the rear wheel down to loosen the wheel. Carefully slide the wheel out of the bicycle frame and pull the chain off of the cog.
Step 4
Slide a tire lever between the deflated tire and the rim at any point on the wheel. Bend the tire lever back toward the wheel hub to pry the tire out of its groove in the rim. Slide a second tire lever between the tire and rim 6 inches from the first. Pry up the tire some more and continue prying up 6-inch sections of the tire until you can remove the tire completely from the rim.
Step 5
Repair the flat in the inner tube or replace the inner tube and tire as needed for your repairs. Place the inner tube inside of the tire first. Place the tire loosely over the rim so the valve stem is inserted into the rim. Use your fingers to push one bead of the tire into the rim groove. Bend the other tire bead inward under the rim to fit it in place. You may need to press it down into place with the tire levers.
Step 6
Inflate the tire with a bicycle pump to the proper inflation. Place the bicycle chain back onto the smallest cog on the rear wheel and lift the wheel into the forks. Ensure the drop bolt is fully inserted into the forks and then tighten the release lever. Lift the derailleur back into its correct position and reattach the brake system to complete the installation of the new tire.
Things You'll Need
- Hex wrench
- Tire levers
- Bicycle tire pump
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