How to Change Tubular Tires

Tubular tires are high-end road bike tires that have the tube sewn into the tire as one unit. On conventional "clincher" tires, such as most road bikes have, the tire fits into the rim and then the tube is inserted separately. Tubular tires are faster and lighter than clinchers and more expensive. Special wheels are needed to accommodate them.

Things You'll Need

  • Tubular tire glue
  • Tire lever
  • New tubular tire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the tire off the bike. Hold the tire in front of you with both hands and place the bottom of the tire against your waist. Put your thumbs close together, about an inch apart, and push on the side of the tire. Break the tire loose from the glue holding to the rim. Insert the tire lever in the space you have created between the tire and the rim.

    • 2

      Kneel down. Set the bottom of the tire on the ground. Holding the lever in one hand and the tire in the other, slide the lever around the circle, breaking as much of the tire loose from the glue as possible.

    • 3

      Grab the tire with one hand. Hold the wheel with the other hand. Begin pulling up on the tire, pulling it loose from the remaining glue and rim. Use the tire lever to pry on the tire if it gets stuck. Pull the tire completely off the rim.

    • 4

      Unscrew the valve extender on the old tire. It is a small cylinder that is attached to the valve stem that lengthens it. Screw it onto the new tire's valve stem.

    • 5

      Run a bead of glue along the inside of the tire. Use your finger to spread the glue liberally. Cover the white rim tape completely. Let the glue dry for 20 minutes.

    • 6

      Run a bead of glue along the inside of the rim. Spread it evenly with your fingers. Let the glue dry for five minutes. Apply a second coat of glue to the tire and let the glue dry for five minutes.

    • 7

      Slide the valve extender on the tire through the hole in the rim. Bend forward and set the tire on the ground with the valve stem pointing straight down. Begin pushing and stretching the tire around the rim, working your hands down both sides of the tire. When you get to the bottom, pick up the tire and set it on your knees as you kneel. Finish by working your thumbs together to pop the last part of the tire on the rim.

    • 8

      Inflate the tire to about 20 pounds. Pick up the tire. Use your thumbs to straighten any crooked alignments. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure marked on the side of the tire. Let the tire dry for 12 hours before using.