How to Change a Mountain Bike Tire

The great thing about mountain biking is that many can participate in it. Young and old alike biking is a great way to get in shape and have some fun while doing it. However, it is no fun when you get a flat and have to change your tire. Knowing what to do, how to do it and having the right tools can make this process a lot easier and will get you back on your biking adventures in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • New tire
  • Pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your tire to see what you need to take the actual rim off of the frame. Some bikes have a lever that you can flip outward and spin to remove the tire. However, there are also some bikes that will require you to remove the nut with a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench. Take a look at your tire to see what you need to get it off the rim.

    • 2

      Take the pliers or the wrench and loosen the nut on each side until you can remove the rim. If there is a lever there, just simply flip it out and spin it off until it loosens and you can remove the rim from the frame.

    • 3

      Find the opposite end of the wrench or one of the handles of the pliers. You will use this to get the tire off of the rim. Place it in between the rim and the tire, then slowly slip it inwards and upwards while at the same time pushing down on the handle towards the actual rim itself. The section you have the handle placed at should create a space in between the rim and the tire. That section of the tire should now be off of the rim. All you need to do now is slide the handle along the rim, going around the tire until the tire is completely off of the rim.

    • 4

      Remove the old tube from the tire and place the new tube into the tire. Place the tip of the tube that you will inflate through the hole in the rim. Each rim should have a hole in it for the tip, just pay attention to where it is at when you remove the old tube. Replace the tire onto the rim as well. It should be much easier to get the tire back onto the rim.

    • 5

      Inflate the tire to the proper pressure and replace the tire back on to the rim. Tighten the nut on each side and make sure that your tire spins without wobbling. If it wobbles at all you may need to re-align the tire and re-tighten it. If you are removing the back tire you will have to take extra care, as you will need to remove the chain as well. You may possibly need some assistance to do this so that you do not ruin the chain or cause any damage to it that may prevent you from using the bike.