How to Change a Flat Road Bike Tire

There are a lot of different sizes and styles of bike tires. No matter the type of tire, the process for fixing a flat is the same. When the tire goes flat there isn’t much you can do. The tire either needs to be replaced or fixed. Changing a flat tire only requires basic knowledge and a few basic tools. Grab the kids and let them watch. This would be a great learning experience for them.

Things You'll Need

  • Wenches
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Flat screwdriver or bike tire levers
  • New tire tube
  • New tire (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bike upside down. The bike handles and seat should be touching the ground.

    • 2

      Loosen the bolts at the center of the wheel with a wrench. Many bikes have a wheel-release lever; in that case, lift the lever to release the wheel from the frame.

    • 3

      Loosen up the brakes so you can get the tire off. There should be two screws on the brake horseshoe. Loosen these with a Philips screwdriver.

    • 4

      Remove the chain (if this is the rear tire) by pushing the wheel forward and lift the chain off the sprocket on the wheel.

    • 5

      Lift the wheel with the flat tire off the frame of the bike.

    • 6

      Remove the rubber tire from the rim. This will be tight and you will have to use a screwdriver or bike tire removal tools to pull it away from the rim. Go around the rim of the tire with the screwdriver and pry the tire off. If using the tire levers, small plastic tools available at most bike shops, insert one under the rim of the wheel and snap the other end of it on a sprocket to hold it in place. Place the second lever under the rim and slide it around the rim, popping the tire off as you go. If the tire itself is in good condition and you are only replacing the tube, you can leave one side of the tire on the rim; you just need to get the tube out.

    • 7

      Remove the tube from the tire. Check the rim to ensure that there is no metal or debris between the rim and the rubber. Leaving any metal inside could puncture the tube.

    • 8

      Place a new tube, or the patched old one, inside the tire. If using a new tire as well, place it on the wheel, leaving one side of the tire outside the rim. Be sure to feed the valve stem of the tube through the hole in the rim. Make sure there are no twist and kinks in the tube.

    • 9

      Push the tire back fully onto the rim with your hands. You may need to use the screwdriver or the tire lever to help force it fully onto the rim.

    • 10

      Attach the air pump to the valve stem. Fill the tire with air.

    • 11

      Place the wheel in the groove on the frame of the bike.

    • 12

      Align the chain over the sprockets on the wheel, if you have changed the rear tire. Push the wheel back into the groove on the frame.

    • 13

      Tighten the bolt at the center of the wheel or press the wheel-released lever into its locked position.

    • 14

      Tighten the screw on the brakes. Test the brakes so that they stop the tire properly. Adjust them as needed.