Repairing your bike by yourself can make you feel more secure, more comfortable, but also help save bike tire replacement cost. The process of changing the bike tire is very simple. However, you will still make many mistakes if you choose to repair your bike at home. Below, I will share with you experiences about how to change bike tires.
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Some Things You Need To Know About Tires
Tire sizes
Tires are an important part of any bicycle. Tires affect the safety, smoothness, and comfort when riding. Bike tire tread also affects the ability of the bike to accelerate, the ability of the bike to ride on different terrains.
Each bicycle tire has parameters on the tire size and material printed by the manufacturer on the tire rim. You should keep this in mind when choosing your tire replacement to match your wheel size.
The tire size is usually embossed on the surface of a bicycle tire as 26 x 1.95. The first number is the tire’s inner rim diameter in inches. The second number is the width of the tire in inches. You can refer to the size chart to choose for yourself the most suitable tire size.
A short guide to how to choose the right bike tyre can be found right here:
Some Problem When Replace Tires
A common problem with changing a tire is that you cannot position the tire properly on the rim and then cannot inflate the tire. There is a mismatch between the tire and the rim of the wheel so that when the car is pumped, it is easy to blow the tire, then you have to change to another tire.
To fix this, regularly check the size of the tire so that it fits on the rim. Make sure to place the tire firmly on the rim, and then check again by pressing the entire wheel evenly and not seeing the tire slip off.
Another problem is that new tires are punctured when you take the tire out with a tired trap, and then you cannot inflate the tires. When the wheel is flat and you use the tools to take the tire out and you accidentally deflect the tire with the tire trap. You will not find a leak until you inflate the tire again.
The way to prevent this from happening is to use your hands to attach the tire to the rim. Use the tire traps only when the tires are stuck to the rim, of course, be careful.
Pumping your wheels without checking the bike tire pressure can cause the wheel to wear more easily and perform poorly. Pumping a wheel too tight is also very dangerous. Therefore, always check the bike tire pressure rating printed on the tire.
A short guide to how tyres – are we all doing it wrong can be found right here:
Tools Needed For Bike Tire Replacement
A pump is an indispensable tool when changing a bicycle tire. Carry a mini bicycle tire pump with you to make sure your tires are always stretched when out and about. Some pumps have a gauge that shows the barometric pressure. These are better quality and have a hint to tell you how much steam the tire should pump.
Levers are made of synthetic resin to make it easy to remove the tire from the rim and reinsert it. Usually, you need 2 levers for the tire changing operation.
A multi-function toolkit is a great assistant in changing your tire. This tool includes the function of a hexagon wrench, screwdriver, spanner, and many other uses. The tool is compact, yet extremely useful in disassembling a bike’s components.
Finally, we have to mention the repair kit. This kit gives you the tools you need to repair your tires and tubes. The repair kit includes a polishing tool, sealant, and tire patch.
A short guide to how to change your dirt bike tire can be found right here:
Installing New Bike Tire
Step 1: Remove the bicycle wheel
A short guide to how to remove and install a wheel on a bicycle can be found right here:
It is easier to remove the tire if you follow these two steps:
First, release your brakes. Most of the brake clusters are very close to the rim of the wheel, making it difficult to remove the wheel. You need to release the brakes, disconnect them in order to be able to reconnect them. A precise position with the design of these brakes will depend more or less on the style of your brakes.
Some have a knob at the end of the zipper that will catch on the rim brake arm. Squeeze the brake arm together so you can pull and release the cable.
If your brake system is a brake disc, be careful not to touch the rotor when turning on the quick drive mechanism. Since the rotor is not located close to the quick-release lever, if the rotor gets dirty, the friction will be less.
When the brake is removed, the wheel unit remains in the frame or fork (depends on the front and rear wheels by the axle). To be able to drop the shaft checks if you need a quick lever. Most bikes have this type of nut.
The next step is to remove the wheel from the bike. For the front wheel, open the quick lever and gently release the seat belt to the opposite side as needed to release tension that holds the wheel in place.
Note that some bikes have a retaining device designed to hold the wheel in position even with the lever open. If your wheels do not pop out after you have opened the quick lever, check the manual for the details of the release system or consult someone with experience.
Before removing the rear wheel, return your chain to the smallest rear wheel. Use the switch until the gear is in place. Proceed to turn the bike upside down, and then turn the rear wheel quick-release lever until it fully opens. You may also need to remove the button lightly on the opposite side. Then proceed to lift the wheel.
A short guide to how to remove the rear wheel of a bicycle can be found right here:
A short guide to how to remove the front wheel of a bicycle can be found right here:
Step 2: Remove the old tire from the wheel
Release all the remaining air in your bicycle tire first by reducing the bike tire pressure from the valve, removing the valve cover, and turning the valve counterclockwise.
A short guide to how to inflate a bicycle tyre can be found right here:
Try to push the edge of the tire with one hand to the center, if that doesn’t work, use the lever to hook the tire. When using the lever start at the opposite side of you (to avoid damaging the valve body), use another lever to raise the rim of the tire above the rim.
If you cannot remove the tire with 1 lever, you can use 2 or 3 more levers to attach to the spokes to separate the tire rim easily.
Once the tire section has been removed a lot you can use your hand to remove the rest easily. But be careful when removing over the edge as it may be damaged.
A short guide to how to fit and remove difficult e bike tyres can be found right here:
Step 3: Put the new tire back on the wheel
Make sure the rim is in place, starting at the body of the valve, insert the tube, and insert it into the rim hole. Check that the valve body is straight and perpendicular.
Then put the rest of the tube inside the tire. Press the tire flat by pushing the tire into the rim of the tire.
Starting at the opposite point of the valve, push the tire rim into the rim. Turn the wheel first (both in the same direction at the same time, attach the tires to the center of the rim to make things easier, or carefully use the tire lever to get the job done. Be careful when using the tire lever to avoid pinch clamping
Once the tire and valve are installed, carry out a check along its edges to make sure the tube does not get caught between the rim and the tire. This may cause an explosion when pumped.
The last step is to slowly inflate the tires on both sides to make sure that the rim is fitted correctly and inside the rim. Proceed to check your valve section to make sure it is still straight. Make sure the chip is not jammed. Now go around the entire tire 1 time and tuck the sides into the inner tire.
Pump up at the recommended bike tire pressure (printed on the tire or in the owner’s manual). If you do not have a meter, use your thumb as a guide. If your thumb is pressed easily, keep pumping.
A short guide to how to change a bike tyre can be found right here:
Step 4: Put the wheels back on the bike
The rear wheel is a bit more complicated so we’ll start with it first. We start by positioning the wheel so that the top of the chain covers the smallest gear in your gear. Make sure your derailleur can switch to the highest and lowest gears. Turn the Derailleur in and out until you reach a point where the movement can smoothly switch between the gears.
Then, you spin the wheel to check if it glides easily and steadily. If not, remove it and start again.
Tighten the nuts to secure the wheels to the frame again. Use a wheel spanner that is suitable for the size of the nut. Do not screw too tightly to avoid wear of nuts and make further operation more difficult.
Reconnect the brake system. Tighten the horseshoe clamp and replace the brake cables. Or adjust the horseshoe back to its original position. Use the bike manufacturer’s manual or website for more specific instructions.
Manipulating the front wheel is simpler. Attach the wheel shaft to the front fork, gently push on the handle so that you can ensure that the axle is in place. Hold the quick lever in place as you tighten the bolts. When the bolt is closed, close the knob. Check whether the lever is correct or not.
Reconnect the brakes and make sure they are working. Finish off by turning the pedal and make sure to change the thread properly.
Step 5: Preserve the new tire
Rim patching with tires creates a lasting bond on the road. If you have to use a premium off-road tire then place a suitable glue layer on the base rim first. It is best to quadruple or five times and keep it in a normal bag or old bag to protect from wear and exposure.
How To Replace Bike Tires Without Levers
You are too good at changing tires the usual way and are looking for a more interesting way. In the following, I will show you some tips on how to change the tire and inner tube like a pro without levers.
- Completely discharge the hose and remove the retention nut from the valve body.
- Use an elastic band around the tire to remove the tire nut from the rim until the tire fits inside the rim.
- Grasp the tire on the right or left side of the valve stem, grip the sidewall of the tire and lift the nut as high as possible on the rim. Then, using another hand, apply the remaining tire to the center of the rim of the wheel. The rim is designed to allow the grain to be lifted and over the opposite side of the rim.
- If you have successfully straightened the tire to the rim, you can use two thumbs to grip the tire wall and lift the tire up and across the rim. Lift and repeat, work the rim of the rim away from the valve stem until it is completely free.
- Remove the tube (unless you conveniently don’t have the tube) and push the opposite nut out by lifting it up and over the rim and pushing it down from the wheel in one big motion.
A short guide to pro tips for faster tyre changes can be found right here:
Conclusion
Above is a detailed guide to changing bicycle tires, hopefully with this guide you can change the tire at home for your bike.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a bike tire on average?
Depending on the type of bike you use, the price of the tire will vary. The price of the tires will range from about $ 20 to about $ 40. If you take it to the shop, you may be charged an additional $ 10 for a tire replacement service.
How long do I spend to successfully replace a bike tire?
It won’t take long to replace a tire. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to completely replace a tire depending on the suitability of the tire. In some more difficult cases, it can take up to 12 minutes more.
Is the bike tire replacement process the same between different bike types?
Basically, all bicycles share a fairly similar replacement procedure. Depending on the type of tire dedicated to the bike, there will be a few extra or less steps, but the main steps are the same.