How to Change a Rear Bicycle Tire

Changing a rear bicycle tire is easy. Many riders use different tires for different conditions, so knowing how to do this yourself is more convenient.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement tire
• Spare tube (if necessary)
• Two tire levers
• Wrench (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Loosen the quick-release lever with your hand or use a wrench to loosen the nuts, depending on the design of your bike. Gently remove the wheel from the frame.

2. Unseat the tire bead (the part of the tire that sits on the wheel--there are two beads, one on each side) by pressing on it all the way around the rim and on both sides. Place a tire lever under the bead and connect the other end of the lever to a spoke. Place a second tire lever under the bead near the first and move it around the rim to pull the tire off of the rim.

3. Grab a new tire and place the bead on one side of the wheel rim. Place a slightly inflated tube into the tire. Use your thumbs to push the other bead onto the tire. Be careful not to pinch the tube between the bead and the rim.

4. The recommended tire pressure range is stamped onto the side of the tire. Use the lower end of the range for more traction and the higher end for less rolling resistance.

5. Inflate the tire one-third to halfway. Examine the bead on both sides to make sure the tube is not being pinched between the bead and the wheel rim. If the tube is being pinched, unseat the bead and push in the tube. If not, replace the tire onto the frame and finish inflating to the desired pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to tighten the quick-release lever or nuts.

• Make sure the tube does not get pinched between the rim and the tire bead. Make sure the wheel is tightly secured to the frame.