NowIKnowEditorial

Bike & travel

How to change a bicycle tyre

A calm, roadside-friendly way to get a punctured tyre off, repaired or replaced, and rolling again.

7 clear steps·Illustrated guide
  1. 01

    Find a steady place to work

    Move out of traffic, shift the chain onto the smallest rear cog if you are removing the back wheel, and turn the bicycle upside down on grass or a cloth. If you have a stand, that is even better.

    Step 1 visual
  2. 02

    Release the wheel

    Open the quick-release lever or loosen the axle nuts. On a rear wheel, pull the derailleur gently back while lifting the frame clear of the wheel. Put any small washers somewhere safe.

    Step 2 visual
  3. 03

    Let all the air out

    Remove the valve cap. For a Presta valve, undo the tiny knurled tip first; for a Schrader valve, press the centre pin. A completely flat inner tube makes the tyre much easier to lift off.

    Step 3 visual
  4. 04

    Ease one side of the tyre over the rim

    Squeeze both tyre beads into the shallow middle of the rim. Start opposite the valve and use tyre levers only if your thumbs will not do it. Avoid digging tools into the inner tube.

    Step 4 visual
  5. 05

    Check what caused the puncture

    Take out the tube and run a cloth carefully around the inside of the tyre. Look for thorns, glass and wire. Check the rim tape too: it should cover every spoke hole.

    Step 5 visual
  6. 06

    Fit the tube without pinching it

    Inflate the replacement or repaired tube just enough to give it shape. Put the valve through its hole, tuck the tube into the tyre, then roll the final section of tyre onto the rim with your palms.

    Step 6 visual
  7. 07

    Inflate, refit and test

    Before fully inflating, check that no tube is caught under the bead. Inflate to the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall, refit the wheel, secure the axle, reconnect the brake and spin the wheel to make sure it runs freely.

    Step 7 visual

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