How To

How to Change a Bike Tire

By Paul Favors, eHow Editor
Rate: (3 Ratings)

There's nothing quite like taking an invigorating bike ride on a warm, sunny day. The last thing you want to do is deal with the disappointment of discovering your bike has a flat tire. No need to worry, though. You can follow the easy steps below to change a bike tire in a matter of no time.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Take the wheel off your bike.

  2. Step 2

    Deflate the tire if any air is still in it.

  3. Step 3

    Place your tire lever between the rim and the bike tire.

  4. Step 4

    Move the tire lever around the rim until the tire bead comes out and you can completely remove the tire and tube.

  5. Step 5

    Inflate the the tube just a little bit so you can locate the punctured area. Examine the area on the tire that coincides with the puncture site on the tube. This will help you find any foreign objects that may be the cause of your flat bike tire.

  6. Step 6

    Repair the punctured area with a fix-a-flat kit.

  7. Step 7

    Take the repaired tube and and inflate it slightly until it take shape.

  8. Step 8

    Put the slightly inflated tube inside your tire.

  9. Step 9

    Configure the tire and tube so the valve stem is placed into the rim first.

  10. Step 10

    Pump air into the tire until it reaches its recommended pressure. For most mountain bike tires this is 40 to 60 psi (pounds per square inch).

Tips & Warnings
  • Turn the tire inside out when looking for the cause of the flat for a more thorough inspection.
  • <br>Keep the valve stem in place during the installation of the tube and tire to avoid a flat or pinch.
  • Wear protective gear for your eyes and ears when you change a bike tire. In the event your tube explodes or becomes pinched while installing you will be protected.

Comments  

Butterfli said

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2008 Good article! Thanks! 5*

Addonis said

Flag This Comment

on 8/17/2008 GREAT WORK , I HAVE TO DO THIS TODAY, THANKS 5 STARS

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