Tools for Changing a Bike's Tire

Tools for Changing a Bike's Tire
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If you want to have the ability to change your bicycle tire, you need to have a few tools handy. When you go riding for long distances, store the tools in a bicycle wedge for a quick tire change. Otherwise, you may have a long walk back. Bicycle shops and sporting goods retailers carry most of the tools.

Bike Pumps

One of the most important tools required to install a bike tire is a pump. You should have two pumps: a small travel pump and a larger bicycle pump for home use. The pump needs to be compatible with the valves on your bike tires. As an alternative, a CO2 cartridge can rapidly inflate a bike tire.

Bike Tubes

You'll need spare bicycle tubes for tire changes. Keep a tube in your bike wedge and a couple at home. Find out your rim size to ensure you purchase the correct tubes for your bike. Bike retailers sell them in bulk at reduced prices.

Tools

Keep tire levers and wrenches on hand to change a bike tire. Tire levers assist in getting the tube off of the tire. You would position the lever between the tire and tube to lift the tire off of the rim. Check the bolt size to know the correct wrench to have available for the tire change. Once you remove bolt from the rim, you can remove the bike tire from the fork.

Patch Kit

For a quick repair, you might want a patch kit for bicycle tires. The kit should include a patch, glue and sandpaper. The patch covers the puncture on the tire, while the glue adheres the patch to the tube. You'll need sandpaper to buff the tube before applying the tire glue. Sandpaper removes oil, moisture and dirt, allowing the glue to work better.

References

Article reviewed by Glenn Singer Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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