How To Do Just About Everything
Flat tires happen every once in a while. The good thing is fixing it on a bike is much easier than on a car for example. You will not need to buy a new tire either, unless someone slashed it. You might need a new tube, but if you're lucky all you need to do is glue a patch over the hole.
Release the air if the tire is not flat.
Insert the thin end of a tire lever between the tire and the rim.
Pull the lever down, and clip the hook end to the nearest spoke.
Move over two spokes, and repeat with a second tire lever.
Work around one side of the wheel in this way until one side of the tire is free.
When one side of the tire is completely off the rim, pull the other side off with your hands.
eHow Sports & Fitness Editor
Comments
huttarl said
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.
lsblankenship said
on 7/14/2008 Just what I needed. Many Thanks!
JohnMCollett said
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.
JohnMCollett said
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.
JohnMCollett said
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.