How to Put Cyclocross Tires on a Road Bike

Cyclocross tires offer a much more aggressive pattern than road tires.

Road bikes are generally set up with slick-tread tires that require high air pressures and are suited only for use on pavement. Cyclocross tires are the same diameter as road bike tires, but use lower pressures and have knobby tread patterns which allow for dirt riding. When selecting a cyclocross tire it is important to pick tires that your bike frame and wheel rim can accommodate. Make sure to measure the width of your bike-frame, steering-fork and wheel-rims before selecting your new tires.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cyclocross tires in a compatible size
• 2 tubes which are the correct width
• 2 or 3 tire levers
• Wrench if wheels are bolted on
• Tire pump

Instructions

1. Loosen the quick-release skewers or unbolt the nuts that hold the wheel to the bike frame. Flip the tension lever on the brake caliper or unhook the brake cable so that the tires clear the brake pads.

2. Deflate the tubes by pressing the pin on the valve-stem until the tire is totally flat. Check to see that no more air remains or the tire will be very hard to remove.

3. Insert your tire levers to hook the bead of the tire and use the leverage to lift it out and over the wheel rim. This usually requires at least two levers and can take some practice. Work your way around and free the whole tire and then remove it with the old tube.

4. Fit one bead of your new cyclocross tire onto the wheel rim and ensure that the direction of rotation matches between the rim and tire. Put a little air in your new tube and gently fit it inside the half-open tire ensuring that the valve-stem is in place and straight.

5. Fit the other bead onto the rim while making sure to avoid pinching the tube. Guide the tube in the cavity of the tire with your fingers as you work your way around. If you use the tire levers, work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the tube.

6. Inflate your newly mounted tire to about 15 psi (lbs. per square inch). Work your way around both sides making sure the bead has fully seated by flexing the tire with your hands. Once you're confident that it is in place, inflate the tire to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the other wheel.

7. Reinstall the wheels on your bike and re-tension your brakes. Double check all settings that may have been changed and make sure all bolts and quick release levers are snug.

Tips & Warnings

• Cheap tire levers can break when you need them most and it is worth getting some that are heavy duty to save potential frustration.

• After working on your bike, ride slowly to see that everything is secure and that your brakes are working well. Make some turns and get used to your new tires, which will handle differently from your old ones.

References

• ParkTools.com: Tire and Inner Tube Replacement
• Schwalbe.com: Cyclocross Tires
• Cyclocrossworld.com: Tire and Wheel Choices for 'Cross