How to Put New Bike Tires on Rims

Riding your bike is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. However, bad bike tires can make for a lousy ride. Changing your tire and/or inner tube is an inexpensive and easy way to get your bike looking and riding like new. The tires and inner tubes can be purchased at many discount stores as well as bicycle shops.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle pump
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Bicycle inner tube

1. 

   Flip the bike over so that the tires are facing up.

2. 

   Using the wrench, loosen the two bolts that hold the tire to the frame.

3. Remove the tire from the bike frame by pulling up.

4. 

   Using the tip of the screwdriver, push on the valve and deflate tire.

5. 

   Insert the screwdriver between the tire and the tire rim. Go under the tire and inner tube. (If you are keeping the inner tube make sure you do not put a hole in it.) Pry the tire and inner tube off. Once the tire starts coming off the rim, you can pull the rest off by hand.

6. 

   Insert the existing inner tube or new tube into the new tire. Since the tube is not inflated, you will have to put it in flat. Make sure the tire stem is sticking out.

7. 

   Place the new tire and inter tube on the rim. Start by inserting the stem into the bike rim hole, (on the rim there is a hole where the inner tube stem goes.) Continue to put the tire/inner tube on the frame going in a circular pattern. Once you have 95 percent of the tire on the rim, you can either try and push the remaining tire on the frame, or use your screwdriver to pop it on. If you use the screwdriver make sure not to puncture the tire. Only use the screwdriver to slide the tire on and remember to remove the screwdriver when finished.

8. 

   With the new tire on the rim, place the whole tire back on the bicycle frame and tighten the bolts on both sides with the wrench.

9. 

   Inflate the tire by attaching the bicycle pump to the stem. Do not over inflate the tire.

10. Remove the bicycle pump attachment and flip over the bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have the proper tire size. Look at the old tire and write down the sizes before purchasing a new one. If you are unsure of the size, bring the old tire with when purchasing a new one.