How to Mount a Street Bike Tire
The tires on a street bike are designed to withstand very specific forces. If fitted correctly, they can average upward of 5,000 miles. Fitted incorrectly, they will wear rapidly and provide inadequate grip, possibly resulting in serious damage to you or your machine. Provided you have suitable tools, a tire can be fitted at home, though it does require some serious physical exertion. It can be useful to have a helper present to lend a hand.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 C-clamps
- Warm soapy water in a spray bottle
- Tire levers
- Light-grade sandpaper
- Compressor or pneumatic pump
Instructions
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Deflate the old tire and work around the edge with the C-clamps. The clamps should be large enough to pinch either side of the tire at the rim. Squeeze the tire next to the rim, causing the lip at the edge of the tire, the bead, to separate from the rim. Wet the tire and the edge of the rim with soapy water. Insert the first tire lever between the bead and the rim. Picture the first lever as being 12 on a clock face; insert the second lever between 2 and 3. Apply gradually increasing pressure to the first lever, until the bead is clear of the rim, then move the second lever. Work around the wheel until the first bead is free of the rim.
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Flip the wheel over, apply more soapy water to the edge of the rim, and attempt to work the bead over the edge of the rim using the heel of your hand. If this proves too difficult, use the tire irons to get started, then work around the rim until the tire is completely free.
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Clean the rim thoroughly and examine it for any kinks, rust or burrs that could damage the new tire. Smooth off any that you find using the sandpaper.
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Check the rotational direction of the tire, relative to the wheel, before fitting. Tires mounted in the wrong direction can fail catastrophically, so it's vital to get this right.
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Locate the light spot marker. This will appear as a small ink dot on the bead of the tire. It denotes a light spot to compensate for the valve, and should be lined up with the valve port on the rim.
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Place the rim flat on your work surface, and place the tire on top. Apply soapy water around the rim and apply downward pressure to the 3 and 9 o'clock points, using the heels of your hands. If it won't pop over the rim, use the tire levers. Once the first bead is in, position it at the shallow point in the center of the rim. This will allow you much more leeway to get the second bead over.
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Work the second bead over the rim using the tire levers. Attach a pump to the valve and inflate the tire until you hear both beads "pop" into place. Deflate the tire again to allow it to seat on the rim. Inflate the tire to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, usually printed on the bead.
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Tips & Warnings
Fitting a tire by hand requires a great deal of physical effort, so it is important to use suitable tools to avoid damaging parts or injuring yourself. Work slowly and methodically, applying pressure gradually to ensure the tool doesn't suddenly slip.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
