Did you notice that your bike tires need replacement due to age? Well, let me tell you that you can change them without asking for help from a professional. An extra tube, tire levers, a bike pump or C02 inflator, and a multi-tool should be on hand while pedaling.
Knowing how to change a road bike tire through this tutorial allows you to replace your tires in no time, so you can ride out into the streets with a new set of wheels.
Get the Right Tools
To change bike tires quickly, prepare the following:
- New Tires
- New Tubings
- Tire Pump
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Sockets/Pliers
- Lever
In addition to the list above, a few optional tools that will make the work easier are:
- Putty Knife
- Plastic Putty Knife
- Bike Stand
- Cardboard
Steps to Replace Road Bike Tire
Step 1: Position the bike
When changing road bike tire, it is best to place the bicycle in a bike stand or upside down on its saddle and handlebars. This angle guarantees simpler access to the bike’s components.
If you’re concerned about scraping your saddle or bars on the ground, lay down a piece of cardboard first before replacing road bike tires.
Step 2: Remove the Wheel
The tire should be loosened using a lever. Alternatively, some bicycles have a screw, which usually requires sockets or pliers.
Undo the bike brakes. Squeeze the brake arms or open the brake lever. This will easily remove the tire. However, this step is optional for bikers who only replace the front tire.
Loosen up the chain’s tension by pushing the little gear above the back sprocket. Then, start pulling up on the wheel to remove it.
Step 3: Remove the Old Tire
Deflate the tire as much as possible. This is helpful during road bike tire replacement.
Unscrew the bolt on the base of the valve stem (if there’s one) and pull the wheel away from the rim starting from the other side of the valve stem.
You should now see a slit to slide the screwdriver in. If not, put more pressure on the tire to produce a large opening for the screwdriver to fit through, especially if you have outdated wheels.
Use your non-dominant hand to grip the tire as you hold the screwdriver on the other hand. Pull the screwdriver towards you while dragging tire’s edge up and over the rim’s lip. If you don’t have a screwdriver, consider using a putty knife or a bicycle lever instead.
Fully bury the screwdriver under the side of the tire that’s still in the rim. Use the screwdriver to force the tire out of the rim and eventually, away from the wheel.
Then, take the tube out of the tire. It’s important to keep an eye out for any holes or tears if you intend to reuse the tubing in the future.
Step 4: Installing New Tube and Tire
Place the new road bike tire tube on a tabletop and inflate it (not fully though). You just need a certain amount of air to make tire mounting simpler.
Insert the tube to the tire; push the valve stem into the rim opening. You’ll begin inserting the tire at this point.
Press the tire’s sidewall into the rim until it is firmly in place. Be careful to place the tubing between the two rims as well. As you go all the way around the rim, keep pressing the tire. Ensure that both the tubing and one side of the wheel are fully seated in the rim.
Begin pulling the other wheel side up and over the rim’s lip, beginning on the other part of the valve stem. Once you’re done, install the new valve stem bolt in place.
Look for your tire’s recommended PSI and inflate it accordingly. Avoid over-inflating your tires or under-inflating your tire.
Step 5: Reinstall Bike Tire
Place the chain near the sprocket at the back. This must be done before putting in the wheel because it’s difficult to ride bikes if the chain is on the sprocket’s wrong side.
Now, get the wheel into the bike frame; align the two parts once you’ve got the tire through the braking system.
Reattach the chain to the derailleur. Note that before the chain touches the derailleur, it should already be placed around the sprocket. Make sure you have the tensioner pulled back far enough to wrap the chain around it.
Check if the chain is properly stretched. When cycling, this will guarantee that the gears change smoothly.
Your tires should be aligned with the bike frame! Otherwise, loosen the bolts to reposition the wheels and retighten them when done.
Step 6: Test It Out
After you finish installing the road bike tire, it’s time to take a long bicycle ride to test out your new replacement!
You can also follow this video tutorial on changing a road bike tire if you’re a visual learner.
Pro Tip:
- Not all bikes have the same tire size. Check the packaging of your old tire to know which size to get. Older tire models usually have the tire’s diameter and height on their bodies.
- To tell if it’s time for new wheels, look at the tread structure and check for cuts, scratches, holes, gashes, or lumpy parts. Another thing to look out for is any flat line across the tire’s central area.
- It’s always good to inspect the wheel and determine the cause of the flat tire. Looking out for your tire and tubing’s cause of tears and punctures will be a great way of preventing future flat tires.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy the tutorial on how to change a road bike tire? The steps are quite simple and easy to follow. Knowing this process will save you time on the road. You do not have to spend money on professional work, either.
Also, look for causes of tire damage to avoid the same accident in the future.
We also love to hear about your experiences in following the tutorial. You can write them in the comments, and please share the article with your friends and loved ones if you find it useful.