There are many things that are essential for new bikers to learn. From maintaining balance to proper steering, you will have a lot to learn about. In the rest of this post, however, our focus will be on how to change a bike tire. It is not as complicated as changing the tires of your cars. With a little patience and a bit of a time to spare, you can easily do this task.
Before we start, let us first discuss some of the reasons why you will need to change a bike tire. Often, it is because it is flat, and you need a new one. In some cases, it is because you want to perform an upgrade to improve performance and aesthetics. Whatever the reason is, doing it is quite easy.
Table of Contents
How to Change a Bike Tire
As you will learn in the steps that are briefly outlined below, changing a bike tire does not require special skills. Even when doing it for the first time, it should not be complicated.
What You Will Need
Before you start, make sure that you have the materials that you will need to complete the task, including the following:
- Wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Tire lever
- Tire inflator
- New tire tube
Remove the Wheel from the Bike
To start with, you will need to release the bike’s brake. Then, loosen its ankle nut. After this, you can safely remove the wheel. Before you do this, turn the bike upside down. You will not be able to do this if it is in an upright position since the bike will just end up falling on your face. Plus, the chain side of the bike should be facing upward to prevent any form of damage. If you have an upright bike stand, things will be a lot easier since this can put the bike in a stable position.
Remove the Quick Release Lever
This step will not be necessary in all cases. You only have to do this if you have a bike that is equipped with a quick release lever. It is located in the center. All that you have to do is to pull it and rotate at 180 degrees. Once it has loosened, take it out of the bike and keep it in a safe place. In some cases, you may have to keep on turning until the lever finally loosens.
In the case of a bike that does not have a quick-release lever, a wrench will come handy. Put the wrench next to the nut and loosen it. Turn it continuously until the nut completely comes off. Set aside. If you have an old bike and the nut seems to be too hard, spray a penetrating on the surface to make it smoother and easier to turn.
Get Rid of the Cables
In the case of some bikes, you will need to do this as a separate step. For most of the newer bike models, on the other hand, the cables are automatically released once you have removed the quick-release lever.
Pull Off the Wheel
At this point, you are ready to get the wheel out of the bike. Get it off the slot that provides its support. You might also need to shake it a bit to loosen from the fork.
Deflate the Tire
Now that you have removed it, find an open space where you can work comfortably. Next, make sure that the tire is completely deflated. Look at the air valve and loosen the valve that covers it. The type of air valve that is present will dictate the right procedure on how you are supposed to have it deflated. In some models, you will have to push the plunger using a screw or similar tools. There are some tires wherein you will need to unscrew the valve. There are also models in which you just have to pull up the valve and it will deflate automatically.
Remove the Tire
Pinch one portion and insert the rounded edge of the tire lever. After doing this, the tire will pop out, allowing it to be released from its metal frame. Pull the lever all the way to one of the spokes. Failure to do so will cause the tires to be back in its original position on the frame.
Use the second lever and work it around the tires going clockwise. As you move it around, push the tire. This will allow it to pop out of the frame. If you do not push it out, it is likely to just return to the frame.
Get Rid of the Tube
By now, the tire has been completely released off the frame. Insert your hand and get rid of the tire tube. When you reach the part where the tube is connected to the air valve, simply slide it out a bit and continue pulling it out.
Insert a New Tube
After getting rid of the old tube, the next thing to do is to replace it with a new one. Take off the lock ring, valve cover, and dust cap. To easily insert the tube, make sure that you inflate it first. Doing this will also minimize the likelihood that it will end up being bent or pinched.
Inspect the Wall of the Tire
Before you insert the new tube, perform a quick inspection of the side wall. Get rid of any foreign object that is visible since this can puncture the tire.
Insert the Tube
If the tire wall is clear, now is the time to insert the new tube in your tire. Press to push the tube inside using your fingers. Do it slowly to make sure that the tube will not twist or bend. Once you are done inserting the tube, the next step is to put the tire back on the wheel of the bike. Replace the air valve in its original position. Also, look for an arrow that will dictate the direction at which the treads should face.
Inflate the Tire
Earlier, you have already inflated the tire but only enough to easily insert the tube. Now, you need to inflate it based on the pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the wall of the tire and find the pressure recommendation from the manufacturer.
Reconnect the Wheels
Now that you are done with the tires, it is time to get the wheel back in its place. See to it that it is positioned and screwed properly, otherwise, your safety and comfort can be compromised.
Wrap Up
From the discussions above, it is pretty obvious that changing a bike tire is quite a straightforward task, although, it will require time and effort on your end!