How to Replace a Flat Tire on a Road Bike

Step 1: Remove Wheel From Bike

a. Lift quick release lever to release wheel and then pull wheel out.

Step 2: Remove Washer and Cap From Valve Stem

a. Remove washer and cap from valve stem

Step 3: Using Tire Levers Pry Tire From Wheel.

a. Place one lever in between wheel and tire and pry tire out of wheel.
b. Place second lever about 4 to 5 inches from first lever and pry out tire.
c. Repeat for the third lever about 4 or 5 inches from second lever.
d. Using third lever slide it around in between the wheel and the tire until one side of the tire is completely separate from the wheel.

Step 4: Remove Tube From Wheel

a. Remove tube from wheel starting with valve stem and working your way around

Step 5: Obtain New Tube

Obtain new tube
a. Remove washer and cap from new tube
b. Open valve and pump a little air into the tube.
c. Close valve

Step 6: Put New Tube in Tire Starting With Valve Stem

a. Put new tube in tire starting with valve stem

Step 7: Put the Tire Back on the Wheel.

a. Start using your hands and be careful not to pinch the tube between the tire and wheel
b. When there is only about 12 inches of tire to put back on it will become very difficult to do by hand. Use the tire levers to get the tire back into the wheel.

Step 8: Replace Washer on to Valve Stem

a. Replace washer on to valve stem tighten till you feel resistance

Step 9: Put Wheel Back on Bike

Put wheel back on bike

Step 10: Pump Tube

Open valve and pump up tube to specification (located on side wall of tire) close valve
a. Replace cap
b. Tighten washer till it is snug against the wheel.

Comments

[yaman.cool63]

DON'T USE TOOLS WHEN YOU PUT THE TIRE BACK ON THE RIM!!! You run the risk of tearing the tube. Also, I agree with frenzy. pump up the tube so it has a bit of shape; you can always deflate it as you're putting it in.

[BorisSpencer]

In between steps 4 and 6 it is really worth trying to find the cause of your puncture.
Take the tyre off the rim and examine the inside thoroughly. If you have something sticking through the tyre then you will simply puncture your nice new tube as soon as you pump it up.

[killerjackalope]

Also a new tube every time's pretty wasteful, plus it means carrying a tube instead of a little patch kit... Plus when you take the tyre off you might get something inside it that punctures the tube when you pump it up...

[Phil B]

I have successfully used a patch kit only a few times. A couple of times the patch did not hold no matter how carefully I followed the instructions. When I went to use the kit again later, often the tube of adhesive had dried out. I suppose there should be precautions I could take against all of these things; but careful as I have been with using, handling, and storing my patch kits I have resolved simply to use a new inner tube and be done with all of the bother.

[BorisSpencer]

I just carry the glueless patches these days, everyone's making them.
I've tried loads of different ones and found either the Parktools or the Topeak Flypapers the most reliable.

[Phil B]

I live in the western United States of America and we have a big problem with puncture vines, also known as goathead thorns. They are the leading reason for flat bicycle tires around here. My bicycle uses Presta valves like the tube you showed. I have learned to remove the nut from the valve and let the valve fall into the tube. Then I squirt Slime sealant into the tube. Following that I have to fish the valve back into the valve stem and attach the nut. If a small shard of rubber from the Slime keeps the valve from seating and sealing, I have learned how to insert a few drops of water into the stem to wash the rubber away so it seals. So far, Slime in my tubes is the most effective flat preventive I have found.

[frenzy]

You should really give the tube a bit of shape with some air before putting it in the tire, this will prevent pinch flats when reinstalling the tube.