Replacing Bike Tire and Tube on a Road Bike

If you are an avid bike rider like myself, at some point in your riding career you will likely need to replace your bike tires and/or tubes. They have either popped while on a ride or just need to be replaced due to wear. With a few simple tools found around the house and about an hour of your time, you will be able to have your tires changed and ready to ride into the sunset.

Step 1 Supplies

Before you can start to change your tire you will need a few simple tools. Most of these tools can usually be found around the house.

The necessary tools for the job are:
* New tires
* New tubes
* Tire pump
* Flat head screwdriver

Optional tools:
* Putty knife
* Plastic putty knife

Note: When purchasing your new tires make sure to double check what tire size you have. This bike has 27" tires, which is an older style. Newer bikes have a 700c tire. The size and height is printed directly on the old tire. The tubes should be made for the correct size of tire. It is better to double check at this stage then after the old one has been removed.

Comments

[plasticbiker]

It should be stressed that you should never use any tools when re-installing the tire. When you get to the last bit of the tire, which can be very difficult, it helps to roll the tire over the rim using the palm of your hands. Also, sometimes the extra rubber around the valve can get stuck under the bead of the tire. This can cause the tire to blow off the rim while re-inflating. To prevent this, push the valve back into the rim about half way then pull the valve stem back out and install the valve nut. This is only a problem w/ road tires from my experience.