How to Replace a Bicycle Tire

Having a flat bicycle tire can be inconvenient, but replacing it is actually a simple task that you can do yourself. In most cases, you only need to replace the inner tube, though if the outer tire is severely damaged or worn out, you may need to replace it as well. Before replacing the tire, you'll need to remove it, then swap out the inner tube and possibly the outer tire. Finally, reinstall the tire in its original position.

Lay the bike on its side with the side containing the chain facing up. You won’t be able to remove the wheel if the bike is standing upright, as it will tip over. When laying the bike on its side, always make sure the chain side is facing up to prevent damage.

• You can also turn the bike upside down, resting it on the handlebars. Many people avoid this option for fear of damaging the handlebars or saddle.
• An alternative is to purchase a bike stand to hold the bike while working on it. Bike stands are available at bike shops or online.

Adjust the gears so that the chain is on the smallest ring if you're replacing the rear tire of your bike. Usually, the smallest ring is the outermost gear. Move the chain to the outermost and smallest gear to make it easier to remove the wheel.

• If you're removing the front wheel, you don't need to adjust the gears.

Open and remove the quick release lever, if present. Locate the quick release lever in the middle of the bicycle wheel. Pull the lever up, then rotate it 180 degrees to loosen it. Remove the lever from the axle and set it aside.

• If the quick release lever doesn’t come off after turning it 180 degrees, continue turning it until you can remove it.
• If you're unsure how to remove the bicycle wheel, it’s best to consult the bike’s manual or check the manufacturer's website for guidance.

Use a wrench to loosen the nuts if the bike doesn’t have a quick release lever. Place the wrench on the nuts and turn them to loosen. Keep turning until the nuts are completely loose. Remove the nuts from both sides of the wheel.

• If the nuts are too tight, you can apply WD-40 or cooking oil to make them easier to loosen.
• A 15mm wrench is typically the right size for loosening bicycle nuts.

Remove the brake cable if necessary. In many cases, when you open the quick release lever, the brake cable is also detached. If your bike doesn’t have this feature, squeeze the brake lever to release the brake cable.

• Consult the bike’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you're unable to remove the brake. Different models often have different instructions.

Lift the bicycle wheel off the frame. Lift the wheel off the fork. You may need to shift the wheel slightly as you remove it.

• If you’re removing the rear wheel, you might need to lift the chain off as well.

Deflate the tire completely. Open the valve cap and set it aside if it detaches completely. Deflate the tire properly based on the valve type. This will make removal easier.

• If your bike has a Schrader valve (American type), you’ll need a small tool, such as a wrench, to press the valve’s piston and release air.
• For a Presta valve, twist the valve cap and pull it up to let the air out.
• If you have a Dunlop valve, simply pull the valve up to release air.

Insert the rounded end of the tire lever underneath the outer edge of the tire. This step helps to pry the edge of the tire and remove it from the rim. Pull the other end of the lever down toward the spokes, then hook the other end onto a spoke to keep the rim in place.

• If you don’t hook the other end of the tire lever onto a spoke, the tire will snap back into its original position and seal back around the wheel.
• The outer edge of the tire is called the “tire bead.”
• You can purchase affordable tire levers at bike shops, outdoor gear stores, or online.
• Alternatively, you can use a spoon or flathead screwdriver, but be cautious not to damage the tire.

Use a second tire lever to work around the tire rim. Place the second lever close to the first one and pry the tire up. Move the lever around the tire rim in a clockwise direction while continuing to lift the tire. Keep doing this until one entire side of the tire is removed from the rim.

Remove the inner tube from the tire. Reach under the tire bead with your hand and grab the inner tube to pull it out. Once you reach the valve, push it through the hole in the rim and continue removing the inner tube.

• You can dispose of the old inner tube or recycle it in a designated bin.

Remove the old inner tube and take off the valve cap, locking ring, and valve cover. Carefully lift the inner tube out. The valve may have a dust cap and a locking ring that you’ll need to remove. Loosen or remove the valve cap to prepare for inflating the tire.

Inflate the inner tube slightly to give it shape. Inflate the inner tube just enough to help it hold its form. This step will prevent the tube from getting pinched, twisted, or bent while installing it, making it easier to insert the new tube.

Inspect the inside of the tire to ensure there are no punctures. Look for sharp objects that could have caused the puncture, such as nails, thorns, or glass shards. Use your eyes, a cloth, or gloves to carefully check the tire surface.

• If you find anything stuck inside the tire, remove it if you plan to patch the tire.
• Don’t install a new inner tube without checking. If something like a thorn or nail is lodged inside the tire, it will puncture the new tube as well.

Place the inner tube inside the tire. Use your hands to insert the inner tube into the tire. The tube will take the shape of the tire. Ensure there are no kinks, twists, or pinches inside the tire.

• Make sure the inner tube sits properly inside the tire before moving on to the next step. If you can’t get the tube into place, remove it and start over. You might need to deflate a bit of air from the tube to make it easier to fit.

Purchase a new tire set if you can’t repair it or if the tire tread is worn out. Typically, you only need to replace the inner tube to fix a flat tire. However, you may need to replace the tire if it’s beyond repair, such as being torn or punctured too severely. A tire should also be replaced if its tread is worn down, the rubber has become dry and brittle, or it’s too old. You can buy a new set of tires at bicycle shops or online.

• Make sure to buy a tire set that matches the model of your bike, ideally from the manufacturer of your bike.
• The tire will be folded in packaging. Usually, one tire set is packed in one package.
• Always replace both tires if you need to replace one. Otherwise, the two tires won’t be in sync, and there’s a risk of one of them bursting, especially the older tire.

Mount one side of the tire onto the wheel. Insert the valve of the inner tube into the valve hole, then mount the outer rim onto one side of the wheel. Push the outer rim along the wheel’s edge into place.

• Look for the arrow on the tire to see which direction the tread should face. This is called the “direction of rotation.” If there’s an arrow on the tire, make sure it points forward. Some tires can be mounted in either direction and don’t have arrows.
• Do not use any tools when mounting the tire to avoid puncturing the tire or inner tube. Use only your hands for this step.
• The process of mounting a new or old tire is the same.

Attach the other side of the tire to the wheel rim. Make sure the inner tube is securely inside the tire. Place your fingers on one side of the valve and press the tire into place. Work your way around the rim, pushing the tire onto it. Finish at the valve, where the tire is loosest when fitting it onto the wheel rim.

• Make sure there are no bulges on the tire as this indicates the inner tube is pinched, twisted, or caught.
• You may need to use a tire lever toward the end of the process, but be careful not to puncture the tire or inner tube.
• Mounting a tire onto a wheel can be difficult, especially with a new tire, but it’s possible to do without tools.

Screw the locking ring onto the valve if applicable. Some inner tubes have a locking ring that screws onto the valve. The locking ring helps keep the inner tube secure in the wheel. Place the locking ring onto the valve threads and screw it down.

• Skip this step if your inner tube doesn’t have a locking ring.

Inflate the tire to the appropriate pressure. You can use either a hand pump or an electric pump to inflate the tire. Attach the pump hose to the valve and start pumping. Once the tire reaches the recommended pressure, replace the valve cap.

• The correct pressure is typically marked on the side of the tire. You can also check the user manual or look online for this information.

Reattach the wheel to the frame and tighten the nuts. Insert the wheel into the axle slot and then push the lever or metal bar that holds the wheel back into place. Tighten the nuts using a wrench if necessary. Lock the quick-release lever if your bike has this feature.

• If it's the rear wheel, you may need to lift the chain to reinstall it.
• Make sure the wheel spins smoothly once it’s secured.

Reattach the brake if it’s still detached. Squeeze the brake calipers and place the brake back into position. Squeeze the brake again to check that it properly clamps onto the wheel.

• Before riding, double-check the brake to ensure it functions correctly.