It's important for mountain bikers to understand how to properly install and tighten the wheels on their bikes before heading onto the singletrack. Most mountain bike wheels these days come with a quick-release skewer that makes it easy for anyone to remove and install wheels, and to correctly tighten them, whether at home or on the trail. No tools are required, though a bike stand will facilitate the process.
Removing the Front Wheel
First, you'll need to disengage the breaks if you have V brakes on the rims by popping the break cable out of its slot. On bikes with quick-release skewers, the release lever will be in the closed position against the bike's fork when the wheel is on and tightened. Pull the lever away from the fork to disengage it, then loosen by turning the lever counterclockwise and turning the nut in the opposite direction. It's not necessary to remove the nut, but simply loosen it enough to slide the wheel out.
Reinstalling the Front Wheel
Reverse the process of removing the wheel. Slide the wheel back into place between the brake pads, or into the caliper if you have disc brakes, and align the wheel axle with the fork. Rotate the release lever clockwise in the closed position, turning the nut counterclockwise until it becomes just a little tight. Open the release lever and give the nut another turn or two. You will have the correct tightness when you feel pressure on the lever at the halfway point. Then close it against the fork. Put the brake cable back in its slot.
Removing the Rear Wheel
If you have V brakes, disconnect the brake cable from its slot to open them up. If you have disc brakes, the disc will slide out of the caliper when you remove the wheel. Shift the chain to the smallest gear sprocket. Open the quick-release lever and loosen in the same way as the front wheel. Slide the wheel out and free of the chain and derailleur.
Reinstalling the Rear Wheel
Place the chain back on the smallest gear sprocket and slide the wheel into place so the axle fits into the dropouts and the wheel fits between the V brake pads, or slide the disc into the caliper with disc brakes. Turn the release lever clockwise, rotating the nut counterclockwise until just tight. Open the lever and turn the nut once or twice more until there's pressure on the lever starting at the halfway-closed point. Close the release lever fully. With V brakes, put the brake cable back in its slot.
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