If you like to ride a bicycle, sooner or later you will have problems with your tires, for example your tires have a puncture and need to be repaired or your tires need to be replaced with new ones. Before starting the tire change process, you need to turn the bike upside down so that the weight of the bike rests on the saddle and handlebars.
Step
Step 1. Loosen the nut that secures the wheel axle to the bicycle frame
If the nut is very tight, spray a little lubricant on the nut – silicone grease or even vegetable oil will work for this purpose. (Many modern bicycles do not have nuts. These bikes are equipped with a quick-release that can loosen and remove tires easily).
Step 2. Release the brakes if your bicycle is equipped with brakes as the presence of brakes can prevent tire removal
The installation of bicycle brakes is not always the same, but you should have no trouble pulling the brake cable out of the socket on the brake arm to remove it. Some brakes may require you to loosen the cable from the clamping position.
Step 3. Remove the wheel from the frame
If it's the rear tire that needs to be handled, you'll need to lift the chain from the gear set. To make removing the rear tire easier, shift the chain to the smallest gear on the wheel before loosening the screw or nut. The front tires will be easier to remove.
Step 4. Deflate the inner tube completely by pressing the inside of the valve
If the tire has a pressure valve, you will need to loosen the top of the valve rod to let air out of the tire. While performing this step you will also need to remove the locking ring which is screwed onto the valve stem and positioned parallel to the rim, if your bike has one.
Step 5. Loosen the bead (bundle of wire held together by tough rubber) from the rim by squeezing the entire tire body around the rim
With a flat tire, squeeze the entire body of the tire and you will see the tire come off the inside of the rim, this will help when removing the tire.
Step 6. Prepare a pair of tire levers that you can buy at your local bicycle/outdoor supply store
If you don't have a tire lever, you can use a spoon handle or similar tool but be very careful when using it as you run the risk of scratching or damaging the wheel rim and/or puncturing the inner tube. Carefully slide a lever into the underside of the wheel rim and pry out the rim of the tire (while being careful not to puncture the inner tube) and lift the tire off the rim. Move the lever around the rim about one-eighth of a circle and repeat the same process, leaving the first lever in place. Now insert the second lever and move it around the wheel and the tire should go straight to one side.
Step 7. Remove the inner tube completely
Step 8. Inflate the leaking inner tube with several pumps and inspect the tire for air escaping so you can locate the hole causing the leak and pinpoint any possible problems
The best way to find the air leaking out is to put the tire in the water. If you see air bubbles coming out of the tire, it means there is a hole in your tire.
Step 9. Examine the inner wall of the tire thoroughly by feeling along its surface and also inspecting the rim for broken glass, nails, thorns, or anything else that may have punctured the inner tube
Be careful when touching the inside of the tire as nails, or broken glass can injure you. Make sure you remove any thorns, broken glass, or nails with pliers if you find them. Adjust the rim tape to cover the protruding spokes.
Step 10. You can choose to patch or replace the inner tube; or replace the inner tube as well as the outer tire
Unwrap your new tire and remove the plastic valve cap and locking ring.
Step 11. Insert the new inner tube into the outer tube and make sure that the tire is not twisted at all and inflate the inner tube with several pumps
Inflating the inner tube with a little air first will help avoid pinching the inner tube when the tire is attached to the rim.
Step 12. Attach the tire to the rim from one side first
This process can be difficult but try not to use tire levers, screwdrivers, or other similar tools as you are more likely to puncture the new inner tube. Examine the tire body for arrows or the like indicating the direction of rotation – some tires have a tread pattern in a “certain direction”. Insert one side of the tire first, then slide the slightly inflated inner tube into the tire and insert the other side.
Step 13. Make sure that no part of the inner tube is sticking out, tighten the locking ring and and inflate the inner tube slowly and carefully first, checking constantly to make sure that the tire fits evenly and that there are no “pinched” parts
Step 14. Remove the pump and tighten the presta screws and locking ring by hand
Step 15. Now you are ready to attach the wheel back to the bike
Step 16. Re-tighten the brakes and/or chain if you are working on the rear wheels
Step 17. Happy cycling
Tips
- Before adding air to the inner tube or putting it in the tire, you may need to sprinkle talcum on the inner tube.
- Be sure to keep the inner tube away from hot objects. The heat will increase the pressure inside the tire, and can actually make the tire explode!
Warning
- Do not apply any lubricant to the brakes or brake surfaces. Avoid getting grease on the tires or inner tubes as well, as the oil can damage the rubber.
- If you find cracks in the lining of the tyre, you should replace the tyre and tyre at once (if the tyre is original and hasn't been replaced since you bought it with the tyre). If both tires on the bike are the same age, replace them even if only one looks worn. Otherwise, you run the risk of a tire pop.
- If your rear tire has a quick release, make sure you take care of the shaft. Handle it with care and place it where it is unlikely to be stepped on while you change tires. If the shaft is bent just a little bit it means you have to buy a new one.
- If you are reinstalling your tires after they have had a leak, carefully inspect the inside of the tire (under the tread) with your finger – the thorns, nails or whatever may still be in the tire and will puncture the new inner tube as soon as you inflate it! If you find the cause of your tire leak, remove it carefully.
- Do not over-inflate the tire as you will burst the inner tube. Look at the recommended pressure (usually written on the tire wall).
- The condition of the outer and inner tires will deteriorate after 10-15 years, (7 years if the tires are exposed to UV light) so if your tires and inner tubes are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them.
- Before installing the patched inner tube into the outer tyre, inflate the tire with a little air to check for a second leak that needs to be treated.
- Make sure if your rims are punched for Presta valves, you use similar inner tubes instead of inner tubes with Schrader valves, because they definitely won't fit!
- Be sure not to puncture the inner tube when removing or reinserting the outer tire onto the rim.
- Make sure you keep the inner tube away from hot objects as heat can increase the pressure inside the tire, and can cause the tire to pop!
