How to Switch to Quick-Release Bicycle Tires

Quick-release bicycle tires revolutionized cycling when they appeared on the scene in the mid-1970s. They can be changed in minutes without tools. A small lever controls removal and installation of the wheel and tire. Most bikes today come with quick-release hubs. There are some inexpensive or vintage bikes that do not have them. Replacing the old-fashioned hub is one option, but that can be expensive and is not always possible. It's best to replace the tire and wheel with a new set complete with quick-release skewers.

Things You'll Need

  • New set of tires and wheels with quick-release skewers
  • 2 wrenches, 1/2-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your bike's wheel size and purchase quick-release wheels with tires in that size. They will be either 26-inch for mountain bikes or 700-cm for road bikes.

    • 2

      Flip the bike upside down and balance it on its handlebars and seat. Release the brake cable by pinching the brake arms together and then flipping the bullet-shaped end of the brake cable free from the wire cage located between the brake arms.

    • 3

      Place a 1/2-inch wrench on each nut that is located on the outside of both wheel axles. Using the wrenches against each other, turn them counterclockwise to loosen the nuts. Lift the old wheels straight up from the bike.

    • 4

      Hold the new wheel in front of you with both hands on both sides of the wheel. With one hand on the lever and one hand on the knob, begin twisting the lever and the knob at the same time in a counterclockwise direction to open the skewer.

    • 5

      Drop the new wheels into place in the bike's fork where the old wheels came out. If they won't fit, open the lever and knob more and try again until the skewer drops into place on the bike's forks.

    • 6

      Hook the brake cable back up. Close the levers on the outside of the quick-release. If they do not close tightly, open the lever and hold it with one hand while you turn the knob on the other side a few times clockwise to tighten it. Close the lever again. It should fit tight, but do not force it. If it is too tight, loosen the knob. If it is too loose, turn the knob a turn at a time clockwise until the lever closes snugly, securing the wheel into the fork.