How to Replace a Bike Tire With No Inner Tube

Eliminating the need for an inner tube, tubeless tires bicycle tires rely on air pressure to form a seal with the rim. Tubeless tires are typically found on mountain bikes. The low air pressure allows the tire to form greater traction with the surface of the road while also offering a degree of shock absorption. Not infallible, a tubeless tire may still suffer the occasional flat. The punctured tire is removed and then either repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.

Things You'll Need

  • Rag
  • Dish soap
  • Water
  • Air pump
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Instructions

  1. Tubeless Tire Removal

    • 1

      Remove the cap protecting the tip of the valve. Depress the center of the valve to free any remaining air inside the tire.

    • 2

      Use your thumbs to push the first tire bead toward the center of the rim. The "bead" is the bottom edge of the tire attached to the rim. The tire has a bead on each side.

    • 3

      Start at the valve and pull the tire bead at the center of the rim up and off the rim.

    • 4

      Work around the tire, gradually separating the first bead from the rim.

    • 5

      Turn the wheel over. Push the other bead toward the center of the rim. Again beginning at the valve, pull the bead up and separate it from the rim. Remove the tire entirely from the rim.

    Tubeless Tire Installation

    • 6

      Use a rag moistened with soapy water and wipe down the mounting surface of the rim. The added moisture helps the tire beads pop into place during inflation.

    • 7

      Rotate the wheel so that the valve is positioned at the bottom. Push a section of bead onto the top of the rim, directly opposite the valve.

    • 8

      Push the bead into the center of the rim, and gradually work around the rim installing the remainder of the bead.

    • 9

      Flip the wheel over, and position the wheel with the valve at the bottom.

    • 10

      Push the second bead onto the top of the rim, and force it toward the center. Work around the rim, moving gradually toward the valve at the bottom.

    • 11

      Inflate the mounted tire to no more than 60 psi, using an air pump. A gauge at the foot of the pump registers current tire pressure. The initial amount of air causes the beads to pop into place and begin forming a seal with the rim.

    • 12

      Inspect the tire to determine that each side is seated uniformly along the rim. A stubborn tire may need to be deflated and a further amount of soapy water applied to any section refusing to seat alongside the rim.

    • 13

      Finish inflating the tire to the desired value. Do not exceed the recommended tire pressure. Screw the cap back onto the valve once the tire is inflated.