Comments on: How to Change a Flat Tire on a Bike

on 8/8/2008 Before remounting the tire, you should check the rim strip (a.k.a. rim tape) that covers the spoke nipples. If it's broken, it will need to be replaced, or else the nipples or recesses can puncture your new inner tube.

I changed an inner tube last week, found that the rim strip was falling apart, and had a hard time finding out what the thing was called so I could get another one! Tried to buy one at a bike store and later found out it was a tire liner. Most how-to articles (like this one) don't mention the rim strip.

See http://www.ehow.com/how_2122394_install-bicycle-rim-tape.html for more details.

on 7/14/2008 Just what I needed. Many Thanks!

on 7/6/2008 After step 6 before you inflate the tube make sure the stem is perpendicular to the rim. If not just move the tire and tube together until stem is lined up perfectly with the rim hole. If you ride on a underinflated tire this can also cause the tube to rotate inside the tire causing the stem to bend to one side. This can cause damage to the stem if it allowed to continue this way.

on 7/6/2008 Install a tire liner such as Mr. Toughy's before step 4 of changing the tube. This will save you from fixing flats caused by rams horn thorns. this is especially needed for mountain bikes since much of your riding is in dirt.

on 7/6/2008 Once you have at least 2 levers prying the tire out of the rim (step 5), the use of a round "zip stick" that has an indention on one that slides along the inside edge of the rim makes it easier to remove the first side of the tire from the rim to get you quickly through step 8. This is especially helpful on a touring bike tire that has a tighter fit on the rim.

on 11/8/2007 I got a gadget from Wiggle made by Crank Brothers which
makes life much easier removing and replacing the tyre

on 6/7/2007 Agreed using just the hands are tough... I used the plastic levers on the last quarter- carefully. I ended up pulling the tire over with the fingers;using the thumbs to brace against the rim.

on 10/1/2007 yeah sure... except in step 5 where the tire lever snaps because the wire bead is way to tight; "push the tire on with your hands" I am trying to change some slick mtb tires right now; and i have $10000 that says no way in hell can you put them on with your bare hands... I hate most tires today; i road across the usa over 20 years ago; and changed tires in the rain in the dark whatever; but the modern ones are just too d&mn tight and almost impossilbe to change without two people and a shop. tubeless tires are even worse...

on 8/8/2006 If you are at home or are near water and can't find the hole, submerge every part of the inner tube in water and look for bubbles (passing the inner tube by a sensitive/ticklish part of your skin, i.e., your ears, also helps).

After you have patched it, inflate it and submerge it again for two reasons: 1) To make sure the patch works or 2) To check for other less obvious leaks.

on 3/13/2006 You can use a pair of kitchen forks for tire levers. They can also double as utensils on bike camping trips.

on 11/22/2005 --MTB tires especially-- After you have everything in place, put just enough air into the tube to give it a little shape (2-3 pumps). Then grab the tire with both hands and rock it back and forth on the rim a couple of times. Work your way around the eitire circumference of the tire. Then finish inflating.

This will help prevent pinch flats and ensures that the tube is cleanly seated inside the tire.

on 8/6/2007 Don't pull the valve stem all the way through the rim at first. Just put enough through so that you can grab onto it. Then seat the tire and pull the rest of the stem through. This will make the job of seating the tire on the rim easier and reduce pinch flats.

on 11/22/2005 Rub baby powder inside the tire to reduce chafing and binding between the tube and the tire. This can also help to reduce pinch flats.

on 11/22/2005 First you must remove your tire from your bike. You must use the proper tool to remove the tire. Remember when you find the right side, you must hold one side of the tire to unscrew the other side.

on 11/22/2005 You must remove one side of the bicycle tire by using plastic screwdrivers. Unscrew the tube cap and carefully remove the tube. Place the new tube in its place. Push the valve through the hole in the rim. Screw the cap on. Pump up the tube.