Favoritebikes Help Center

How to Remove and Install a Bicycle Tire & Tube

 

Fixing a flat tire is an essential skill for any cyclist. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove and install a new tube and tire:

Link to buy replacement tube. 

 

Tools You'll Need:

Optional Tools:

  • Wrench (if your bike has nuts instead of a quick-release skewer)
  • Patch kit (to repair the old tube if needed)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Prepare the Wheel:

    • Remove the wheel from the bike. If it's the rear wheel, shift to the smallest cog to make removal easier.
    • Release any brake calipers or rim brakes if necessary.
    • Deflate the tire completely by pressing on the valve stem.
  2. Remove the Tire:

    • Insert a tire lever under the tire bead (the edge of the tire that sits in the rim) near the valve stem.
    • Pry the bead over the rim edge.
    • Insert a second tire lever a few inches away from the first and repeat the process.
    • Work your way around the tire with the levers, lifting the bead over the rim edge until one side of the tire is completely off.
    • Carefully remove the old tube.
  3. Inspect the Tire and Rim:

    • Run your fingers along the inside of the tire and the rim to check for any sharp objects (thorns, glass, etc.) that caused the puncture.
    • Remove any debris you find.
  4. Install the New Tube:

    • Slightly inflate the new tube to give it shape.
    • Insert the valve stem through the valve hole in the rim.
    • Tuck the tube into the tire, ensuring it's not twisted or pinched.
    • Starting opposite the valve stem, work the tire bead back onto the rim using your hands.
    • If necessary, use tire levers for the last section near the valve stem, being careful not to pinch the tube.
  5. Inflate the Tire:

    • Inflate the tire slowly, checking to make sure the bead is seated evenly on both sides of the rim.
    • Inflate to the recommended pressure (usually printed on the tire sidewall).
  6. Reinstall the Wheel:

    • Reattach the wheel to your bike, ensuring it's secure and the brakes are properly aligned.

Additional Tips:

  • If you're having trouble getting the tire on or off the rim, try using soapy water to lubricate the bead.
  • If the tire is difficult to remove, use a third tire lever for additional leverage.
  • If you don't have tire levers, you can try using a spoon or a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to puncture the tube.