How to Change a Tire on a Bike

Keep tires fresh by changing them periodically.

While generally durable, bicycle tires will need to be replaced periodically. Eventually the rigors and hazards of the road will take their toll on your tires. Worn bicycle tires are more susceptible to punctures and will offer less traction. Before removing your old tire, be sure you have a compatible replacement. The new tire should share the old tire's dimensions and design. Tire dimensions are printed on the sidewall of the tire.

Things You'll Need

• Tire levers (set of 3)
• Bicycle work stand (optional)
• Replacement tire
• Pump

Instructions

Wheel Removal

1. Use the gear shifters on the handlebar to shift the chain to the outermost rear cog and front chain ring combination. This step is only necessary if changing the rear wheel.

2. Turn the bike over so that it's resting on the handlebar and seat. Alternatively, if you have a bicycle work stand, lock the bike in place inside the work stand.

3. Open the appropriate quick-release skewer. Each wheel has a skewer passing through its axle. The non-drive side end of the skewer features a quick-release lever for easy removal.

4. Use your fingers to loosen the nut on the end of the skewer. The nut does not need to be removed entirely.

5. Dislodge the wheel from the bicycle frame. Once it is loose, grasp the wheel and remove it entirely.

Tire Removal

1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire. Press a finger against the valve stem to remove all air from the tire.

2. Insert the flat end of a tire lever beneath the tire bead opposite the valve stem. Attach the opposite, hooked end of the lever to the spoke beside it.

3. Repeat Step 2 with the second tire lever, placing it a couple spokes either to the left or right of the first lever.

4. Insert the flat end of a third tire lever beneath the tire bead to the left of the first two spokes. Do not attach the hooked end to any spoke.

5. Rotate the lever around the circumference of the tire, freeing the bead from the rim. The other two levers will drop away from the tire.

6. Grasp the valve stem from inside the tire, and pull it free of the rim. Remove the remainder of the inner tube from inside the tire.

7. Pull the old tire free of the rim.

Tire Installation

1. Set the inner tube inside the new tire. Align the inner tube valve stem beneath the colored label on the side of the tire. Inflation specs are printed on this section of the tire.

2. Insert the inner tube valve stem through the hole in the rim. Be sure the colored tire label is placed on the right, drive-side of the rim. Otherwise the tire tread will be turning in the wrong direction.

3. Use your fingers to mount the first tire bead onto the rim.

4. Hold the wheel against your waist. Using your thumbs push the second tire bead in place onto the rim. You may need to use extra force for the last little section.

5. Inflate the tire to the recommended PSI, printed on the side of the tire.

6. Fit the wheel back onto the bicycle. Be sure and tighten the axle nut and close the quick-release to fix the wheel safely in place.

References

• ParkTool: Tire and Inner Tube Replacement
• "Bicycle Maintenance & Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes;" 2005; Todd Downs
• SheldonBrown: Bicycle Tires and Tubes