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How to Change a Tyre

You’ll be on your way in no time with this comprehensive guide to removing and installing a new bike tyre

Whether you’ve hit a bump in the road with low pressure in your bike tyres or they’ve been punctured resulting in instant or delayed deflation, flat tyres often occur at the most inconvenient of times and can be immensely frustrating. At Cycling Deal, we’ve got a great, easy-to-follow guide on the best way to change or install a new bike tyre. 

Bike tools needed:

• 3 tyre levers
• New tube
• Pump

Removing the old tyres

1. Remove the wheel from the bike. Most bikes now have a quick-release lever on each axle. Simply flip one of the levers to loosen the wheel. Once loose, the wheel can be pulled free.
2. Older bikes usually have two axle nuts holding each wheel in place. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen one of the nuts, thus allowing the wheel to come free.
3. Completely deflate the tyre.
4. Slide the rounded end of one of the tyre tools between the tyre and the rim. Working slowly and taking care not to pinch the tube, pry the tyre away from the rim by locking the free end of the tyre tool into the spokes.
5. Slide a second tyre tool between the tyre and rim. Work this tool around the rim until the tyre pops free.
6. If the tool gets stuck, lock the free end into the spokes and begin working with the third tyre tool.
7. Remove the tyre and inner tube from the rim.

Installing the new bike tyre

1. Take a new tyre and slip one edge of it all the way around the rim. It should be possible to do this by hand, although you can use one of the tyre tools if necessary.
2. Place the inner tube completely inside the new tyre, (Check if you can pull or push the valve into the tyre freely) taking care to line up the inner tube valve with the valve hole in the rim. Push the bike tube as far into the tyre as possible. It might help to inflate the tube very slightly.
3. Using your hands, push as much of the second edge of the tyre onto the rim as possible. Continue pushing the tube into the tyre as needed.
4. Insert a tyre tool between the rim and the portion of the tyre that is not yet installed.
5. Slowly lever the tool upward and force the tyre over the rim edge. Use a second tool to push the tube into place if necessary.
6. Gently roll the tyre into place over the rim edge. Work slowly and avoid snapping the tyre into place as this tends to pinch the tube and cause air leaks.
7. Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure written on the side of the tyre, and replace the wheel on the bike.

If all those words just flew over your head, don’t despair, here’s a very handy video on changing tyres to help you out! 

Don’t ever leave home without the essential tools for changing a bike tyre

 

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