How to Change a Rear Bike Tire

When a bicycle tire becomes worn down or frayed, it is time to replace it. Rear tire replacements require setting the bicycle into the proper gear before removing the wheel to replace the tire. Tire replacement takes a little elbow grease as the new rubber tire is stiff and needs to be pried onto the metal rim. Once changed, the rear wheel goes into the frame holder and the chain is placed back onto the sprockets.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire levers
  • Replacement tire
  • Inner tube
  • Baby powder
  • Bicycle pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pinch the brakes together and pull the cable feed out of the holder to release the brake on the back wheel. Turn the pedals and shift the gears so the chain rests on the largest chain ring and the smallest rear gear on the sprocket cluster. Turn the rear wheel quick-release lever so it is perpendicular to the bicycle and remove the back tire.

    • 2

      Unscrew the valve cap and release the air out of the inner tube by pressing down on the valve stem or metal pin. Insert one tire lever between the rubber tire and the rim. Slide the lever all the way around the rim to release the tire from the rim. Pull the inner tube out from the rim. Pry the old tire off the rim entirely and discard or recycle it.

    • 3

      Grip the new tire and push one edge up and onto the rim. This is difficult as the new tire will be stiff. Pry it up and onto one edge of the rim, leaving one side of the tire not attached. Coat the inner tube with baby powder and push it inside the tire. Align the valve stem with the hole in the rim and push the stem through the hole. Screw the tube lock nut onto the stem to keep the tube in place.

    • 4

      Push the remaining tire edge onto the rim. Attach the bike pump to the valve and inflate the inner tube to the desired pressure. Screw the valve cap onto the inner tube valve.

    • 5

      Put the tire back into the frame and turn the quick release clockwise and push the lever down into the frame to lock the rear wheel onto the bicycle. Thread the chain back onto the gear cluster and pedal the bicycle so the gears naturally adjust to the shifter setting.