Bicycle wheel removal and installation is a basic skill that any cyclist should be able to perform if necessary. Most modern bicycles have quick-release wheel mechanisms that allow you to take off the tire in a few seconds. When dealing with a rear wheel, putting the tire back on can take a few extra minutes compared to the front tire because you also need to reattach the drive system in the process.
Step 1
Set the rear forks carefully onto the drop bolt of the rear tire. Ensure that the gear cluster is on the right side of the bike when you put the tire in place. As you lift the tire into the rear forks, set the chain over the gear sprocket it was on before removal. Ideally, it would have been on the smallest gear sprocket, but if you are unsure, take your best guess. You can make adjustments later, if necessary.
Step 2
Stand behind the bike and squat down behind the tire. Check the quick-release lever to ensure it says “open” on the outside. Hold the cap of the quick-release lever in your right hand and spin the lever clockwise with your left hand to tighten it.
Step 3
Fold the quick-release lever in the opposite direction it is facing. Take note of where in the lever movement you begin to feel resistance. If the resistance begins before the lever is at the halfway point, you need to loosen the tension on the lever by turning the handle counterclockwise. If the resistance begins after the halfway point, the lever is too loose and needs a few more clockwise turns. Lift the lever into the closed position when the tension is correct.
Step 4
Squeeze the upper posts of the brake mechanism together at the top of the wheel with one hand. Grab the brake cable with your other hand and hook or screw it into the slot on the right brake post. Release the brakes so they return to their fully installed position. Align the brake pads with the rim if they are not already in position.
Step 5
Shift through your gears to ensure your derailleur is correctly in line with the gear sprockets. If the chain shifts off the smallest or largest rear sprocket, you placed it on the wrong gear sprocket when you installed the wheel. Shift the derailleur to the smallest sprocket and reattach the chain to correct the error.
Member Comments