How To Change A Bike Tire And Tube

Learning how to change a bicycle tire and tube is one of the most common and easiest repairs you can do on your own. Whether you need to change a flat tire on the trail or want to replace an old tire, this tutorial is for you.

Tools needed: Tire Lever, Tube.

How to Change a Bike Tire and Tube:

1) Remove wheel from bicycle.

2) Deflate or remove air from bicycle tube.

3) Use your tire lever and hook the outer edge of the bead.

4) Pull the tire lever around the bicycle rim, such that the tire bead pops out.

5) Remove tire and tube, such that you remember its exact positioning on the bicycle rim. (This will aid in locating the cause of the puncture).

6) Slightly inflate the tube to approximately 15 psi and inspect for puncture location.

7) Once the puncture location is found, look in the same spot on the tire and the rim. Often times, a thorn or nail could have penetrated the tire and caused the puncture. It is also important to make sure that the rim tape is in position and in good shape. Often times, the spoke nipple will protrude and cause a puncture in the tube.

8) When you have determined what has caused the flat, make the appropriate repair.

9) Grab your new tube and inflate just enough to give the tube shape.

10) Place the slightly inflated tube inside of the bicycle tire.

11) Orient the tube and tire such that the valve stem is inserted into the rim first.

12) Slowly roll the bead over the rim with your thumbs. (Do not use tools! This could cause a pinch flat!).

13) Inflate the tube to approximately 20 psi and fondle the tube all the way around the rim to ensure it is seated properly.

14) Inflate tire to appropriate pressure. (i.e. 40 to 60 psi for most mountain bike tires).

Tips:

* Wear ear and eye protection. Note that it is possible for a tube to pinch or explode during installation. Anyone who has changed enough bike tires and tubes has at one time or another had it explode near their face.

* When installing the tube and tire, make sure the valve stem stays in place. Any unusual strain on the valve stem could cause a pinch or flat.

* When inspecting the tire for foreign objects, it is sometimes best to turn the tire inside out. This will allow you to inspect the tire thoroughly.