You can also turn the bike upside down, resting it on its handlebars. Some people don’t like turning it upside down because the handlebars or seat can get damaged. [1] X Research source As another option, you can invest in an upright bike stand that will hold your bicycle while you work on it. You can find these stands at some bicycle stores or online. Also, you can build one yourself.
You don’t need to adjust the gears if you’re removing the front tire.
If your quick release lever doesn’t come off after you turn it 180 degrees, keep turning it until you can remove it. If you’re not sure how to remove your bicycle tire, it’s best to check your bicycle manual or the manufacturer’s website.
If you can’t get the nut loose, you can spray it with WD-40 or cooking spray to make it easier to loosen it. A 15mm wrench is usually the correct size for loosening the nuts on a bicycle.
Check your bicycle manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re having trouble detaching your brakes. Instructions vary for different bike models.
If you’re removing a back tire, you may need to lift the bicycle chain out of the way.
If your bicycle has a Schrader (American) valve, use a small tool, such as your wrench, to press down on the plunger inside the air valve to release the air. If you have a Presta valve, unscrew and pull up on the valve cap to release the air. If you have a Dunlop valve, take off the cap, then pull up on the air valve to release the air.
If you don’t hook the other end of the lever onto a spoke, your tire will go back into place and reseal itself around the wheel. The outer edge of a bicycle tire is called a “bead. ” You can find inexpensive tire levers at a bicycle store, outdoor store, or online. You may be able to remove your tire with a spoon or screwdriver, but they can damage your tire.
You can discard or recycle the tube.
If you find something stuck into the tire, remove it if you plan to patch the tire. Don’t put a new tube inside your bicycle tire without checking for a puncture. If there is an item like a thorn or nail stuck in your tire, it will likely puncture the new tube.
The entire tube should be inside the tire before you proceed. If you’re having trouble getting the tube fully inside, take it out and start over. You may need to let out some of the air you put in to help it hold its shape.
You’ll need to buy a set of tires labeled for use on your bicycle model. It’s best to get them from the manufacturer. Tires are sold folded up in a package. Usually, the package will contain a set of tires. Always change both tires if you need to change one. Otherwise, the tires won’t match and you risk having a blow out on one of them, particularly the older tire.
Check your tire for an arrow that tells you which direction the treads should face. This is called the “direction of travel. ” If your tire has an arrow, make sure it’s facing forward. Some tires can go in either direction and won’t have this arrow. Don’t use any tools to replace the tire. This can damage or puncture the tire or tube. Just use your fingers. Use this same process to put the tire on the wheel frame whether it’s the old tire or a new tire.
Make sure there are no bulges on the tire, which could mean the tube is bunched up, twisted, or pinched. You may have to use tire levers at the end of the process, but be very careful not to puncture the tube or tire. Putting your tire back on the wheel can be very difficult, especially if your tire is new. However, you can get it back on with just your hands.
If your bike tube didn’t have a lock ring, skip this step.
The correct pressure level should be listed on your tire wall. You can also check your bicycle manual or look it up online.
If you fixed your back tire, you’ll need to lift the chain to put it back on. Check that the wheel spins freely.
Before you ride your bike, check the brakes again to make sure they’re in correct working order.
