It is very annoying to have a flat tire, but you can easily replace the tire yourself. Usually this means you just have to replace the inner tube if the hole is too big to stick. However, it may be necessary to replace the tire if it is severely damaged or worn. To be able to replace your tire, you will first have to remove the wheel from your bicycle. Then replace the inner tube and, if necessary, the outer tire. Finally, put the tire back on the wheel.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Taking the wheel off
Step 1. Lay the bike down so the chain is facing up
You cannot change your tire while your bike is upright, because then it will fall over. Always keep the chain pointing upwards so as not to damage it.
- You can also turn the bike upside down, with it on the handlebars. Some people prefer not to turn their bike upside down as this can damage the handlebars and saddle.
- Another option is to buy a bike stand to put your bike in while you work on it. You can buy these standards at bicycle shops and on the internet.
Step 2. Change gears so that the chain is on the smallest cog when you change the rear tire
Usually this is the outer sprocket. If the chain is on the smallest and outer cog, you will be able to remove the rear tire more easily.
You don't have to adjust the gear when you change the front tire
Step 3. Open and release the quick release lever if your bike has one
Look for the quick release lever in the center of your bike wheel. Pull the lever up and turn it 180 degrees to release it. Remove the handle from the shaft and set it aside.
- If the quick release lever does not release after turning it 180 degrees, keep turning it until you can release it.
- If you are not sure how to remove the wheel from your bicycle, check the manufacturer's website or your bicycle manual.
Step 4. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts if your bike does not have a quick release lever
Hook the wrench around the nut, then turn it to loosen it. Keep turning the nut until it loosens. Loosen the nuts on both sides of your bicycle wheel.
- If you can't get the nut loose, you can spray it with WD-40 or cooking spray to make it easier to unscrew.
- A 15mm wrench is usually just the right size to loosen the nuts on a bicycle.
Step 5. Disconnect the brake cables if necessary
In many cases, the brake cables will also come loose when you release the quick release lever. If your bike doesn't have this lever, squeeze the calipers to release the cables.
If you are unable to disconnect the brake cables from your bicycle, check the manufacturer's website or your bicycle manual. There are different types of brakes and you release them all in a different way
Step 6. Remove the wheel from the frame
Remove the wheel from the fork that supports it. You may have to move the bicycle wheel slightly when removing it.
If you take your rear wheel off your bike, you may need to get your bike chain out of the way
Part 2 of 4: Removing the tire and inner tube
Step 1. Let all the air out of the tire
Unscrew the cap from the valve. Set the cap aside and let all the air out of the valve by opening it properly, depending on the type of valve you have. This will make it easier for you to remove the strap.
- If your bike has a Dutch valve (also called Dunlop valve or classic valve), remove the cap and unscrew the nut to let all the air out of the tire. Most bicycles have this valve.
- If your bike has a Presta valve (also known as a French valve or racing valve), loosen the screw cap and pull it up to release all the air from the tire. Road bikes usually have a Presta valve.
- If your bike has a Schrader valve (sometimes called a car valve or American valve), use a small tool like your wrench to press down on the pin in the cylinder to let the air out. Some mountain bikes have a Schrader valve.
Step 2. Hook the round end of a tire lever around the outer edge of your tire
This way you pull the edge of the tire up and it comes off the rim. Pull the other end of the tire lever down towards the spokes. Then hook the other end of the tire lever around a spoke so that the edge of the tire stays up.
- If you don't hook the other end of the tire lever around a spoke, your tire will sink back into place and into the rim.
- Most tire repair kits contain tire levers.
- If you no longer have tire levers, you can buy them at bicycle shops and hardware stores, as well as at stores such as Action and Hema.
- You may be able to loosen your tire with a spoon or screwdriver, but doing so could damage your tire.
Step 3. With a second tire lever, go clockwise along the tire
Place the second tire lever near the first tire lever around the tire and push the tire upwards. Move the tire lever clockwise along the tire and push it upwards. Keep going until you've removed the entire tire from the rim.
Step 4. Pull the inner tube out of the outer tire
Put your fingers under the side of the tire. Take the inner tube and slide it out. When you get to the valve, push it through the hole in the rim and continue to remove the inner tube.
You can throw away or recycle the inner tube
Part 3 of 4: Installing a new inner tube
Step 1. Unpack the inner tube and remove the cap, nut and washer from the valve
Carefully unfold the inner tube, taking care not to damage it. Do not forget to remove the cap and nut from the valve. This way you can inflate the inner tube a little bit.
Step 2. Inflate the inner tube a little bit to keep it in shape
By slightly inflating the inner tube, you don't twist, bend or kink it while you put it on the rim. This way you can place it more easily.
Step 3. Check the inside of the tire for a hole
Look for a sharp object that has made a hole in the tire, such as a nail, thorn, or shard of glass. See if you can see or feel the hole with a cloth or gloved finger on the surface of the tire.
- If there is something in the tire, take it out when you want to stick the tire.
- Do not simply insert the inner tube into the tire without checking the tube for a hole. If there is a thorn or nail in your tire, your new tube will also be punctured.
Step 4. Insert the inner tube into the outer tube
Push the inner tube into the outer tube with your fingers. The inner tube should follow the shape of the outer tire. Make sure that the inner tube does not kink, bend or twist anywhere.
Make sure the tube is fully seated in the tube before continuing. If you can't get the inner tube all the way into the outer tube, take it out again and start over. You may need to deflate the inner tube a little bit
Step 5. Only buy new tires if they cannot be repaired or are very worn
A flat tire can usually be repaired by sticking or replacing the inner tube. However, the tire may need to be replaced if it is irreparably damaged, such as a large hole or long tear in the tire. If the tire is worn, rotten, or very old, you probably won't be able to repair it. In this case, buy a new set of tires from a bike shop or online.
- Make sure you buy a set of bicycle tires that are suitable for the model of bicycle you have. Also buy the right size tires. The size is indicated on the tires themselves. When in doubt, go to a bike shop and ask for advice.
- Tires are folded in the package. Usually there is a single strap in the package.
- Always replace both tires if you need to replace one. The tires are otherwise not the same and one can break, especially the older tire.
Part 4 of 4: Putting the tire and wheel back on
Step 1. Put the tire on one side of the wheel again
Insert the valve into the valve hole. Then lay the outer edge of the tire on one side along the wheel again. Push the edge along the rim back into place.
- See if you can find an arrow on the band indicating which direction the fibers should point. This is also known as the direction of rotation. If there is an arrow on your tire, make sure it points forward. Some tires can rotate in both directions and thus do not have an arrow.
- Do not use any tools to put the strap back on. As a result, you can puncture or damage the outer tire and the inner tube. Only use your fingers.
- Use the same technique to put the tire back on the rim, whether it's the old tire or you're putting in a new tire.
Step 2. Put the other side of the tire back on the wheel
Make sure the inner tube is completely under the outer tyre. Then keep your fingers on one side of the valve and push the tire around the rim. Do the valve last, because that part of the tire is the loosest when it is on the wheel.
- Check for any bumps in the tube, which may indicate that the tube is twisted, kinked, or bunched up.
- You may have to use tire levers at the end, but be careful not to puncture the tire and inner tube.
- Putting the tire back on the wheel can be very difficult, especially if it is a new tyre. However, it is possible to do this using only your hands.
Step 3. Turn the washer around the valve again
Screw the washer onto the valve, if there is one. Some inner tubes have a washer that goes around the valve. It keeps the inner tube in place while it is on the wheel. Place the washer around the threads on the valve and then tighten.
Skip this step if your band does not have a washer
Step 4. Inflate your tire to the correct pressure
You can use a manual or electric bicycle pump to inflate your tires. Put the pump head on the valve and then inflate the tires. When the tires have the correct tire pressure, put the cap back on the valve.
The correct pressure is marked on the side of the tire. You can also look it up on the internet or look in the manual of your bicycle
Step 5. Slide the wheel back into the fork and reinstall the quick release lever or nuts
Slide the wheel back into the fork to hold it in place. Then slide the quick release lever or metal bar back to hold the wheel in place. Tighten the quick release lever or the nuts and use a wrench if necessary. Close the quick release lever, if your bike has one.
- Once you've replaced your rear tire, you'll need to lift the chain to put the wheel back on.
- Check that the wheels turn freely.
Step 6. Reinstall the brake cables if you have not already done so
Push back on the calipers and slide the brake cables into place. Squeeze the brakes to see if they make a good contact with the wheel.
Before getting back on your bike, check that the brakes are working properly
Tips
- It is best to replace your bicycle tire on a flat surface.
- If you are unable to replace your bicycle tire, visit a bicycle repair shop in your area. They can replace the tire for you for a small fee and may want to show you how to do it yourself.
- Replace the tire indoors if possible to keep your bike clean and make your work easier.
Warnings
- It is normal for tires and inner tubes to wear out over time. Bicycles that are stored indoors should have tires replaced every 10 to 15 years, and bicycles that are stored outdoors should probably have tires replaced after seven years.
- Never pump too much air into your inner tube, as this can cause your tire to burst. Check the inner tube to see what the maximum tire pressure is.
- Keep the inner tube away from hot objects. Heat can cause the inner tube to expand and even burst.
- Be very careful when removing the wheels so that nothing bends. If you accidentally damage any part of your bike, it will likely need to be repaired or replaced.