Understanding the working parts of your bicycle allows you to perform routine maintenance, such as removing the rear tire. A flat or worn tire requires removal to repair a puncture in the inner tube or to replace a worn tire with a new one. A bike stand makes rear tire removal easier but is not essential.
Step 1
Turn your bicycle upside down. Place the chain on the smallest sprockets on the rear wheel. Pull the quick-release lever open on the rear wheel hub.
Step 2
Pull the rear wheel out of the dropouts. Place the wheel on a level surface. Twist the rubber cap off the tube valve.
Step 3
Deflate the tire tube by pressing down on the valve stem with the tire lever. Insert the flat end of the tire lever under tire bead. Push down on the lever to raise the bead over the wheel.
Step 4
Slot the hooked side of the tire lever on a wheel spoke. Insert another lever under the tire bead two spokes over. Fasten the hooked side of the lever onto a wheel spoke.
Step 5
Insert a third tire lever under the bead. Pull the tire lever around the rim to free the bead. Hold the wheel upright. Pull the tire off the rim.
Step 6
Push the tire lever around the length of the circular wheel to loosen one side of the tire. Hold your rear tire in an upright position. Pull back on the rubber body of the tire to remove it from the metallic wheel.
Things You'll Need
- Tire levers
Member Comments