Step by step guide; Replacing a bicycle tire

Bicycle tires are quite prone to wear, so it’s always smart to change your tires in time.
This is important for preserving the tire profile, for better grip and to avoid a punctured tire as much as possible.
This guide only applies to replacing threaded tires and folding tires.

What you'll need

Important to know before you begin

While replacing the bicycle tire, people also often replace the inner tube, since it’s quick and easy to do while you’re at it.
Make sure that the tire size matches the rim size.
Find out more about this through the following link.
It’s easier to replace a bicycle tire when the wheel has been removed from the bicycle. (See Replacing a rear wheel with a coaster/roller brake)

Step 1 : Removing a bicycle tire and inner tube

Let any remaining air out of the inner tube through the valve. With Dunlop valves, you will then need to remove the top ring and inner mechanism, as well as the lock nut that keeps the valve in place.
Press the valve down as far as possible to create space to maneuver the bicycle tire. (1)
Older tires in particular tend to stick to the rim. If this is the case with your tire, push the tire away from the rim using both thumbs. Repeat this step on both sides. (2, 3)
Now you should be able to maneuver the tire.

Step 2 : Removing a bicycle tire and inner tube

Insert one tire lever between the tire and the rim, opposite the valve hole, by pushing the tire aside. (1)
Make sure the tire lever is inserted deep enough that you can lift the tire bead over the rim flange.
Use the tire lever to lift the tire off of the rim and use a spoke to anchor the lever. (2)
Repeat this step about three spokes further along, using the second tire lever. (3)

Step 3 : Removing a bicycle tire and inner tube

Now that the tire is sufficiently separated from the rim, the first lever can be used to repeat the previous step a few spokes further along. (1)
Once the tire is sufficiently “loosened”, you can manually remove the tire from the rim on one side. (2)
You should now be able to remove the inner tube from the tire manually.
The tire should be pushed aside a little near the valve, to create enough space to remove the valve from the rim hole and push it past the tire. The inner tube can now be removed. (3)

Step 4 : Mounting the bicycle tire

Insert the valve back through the valve hole and screw on the lock nut until it’s about halfway down the valve stem, leaving enough space to push the inner tube down further into the rim base.
Lightly inflate the inner tube, until the tire fold is almost invisible. (1)
Feed the inner tube into the bicycle tire completely and make sure that the tube fits evenly. (2)
Now you can start to put the tire bead onto the rim. (3)

Step 5 : Mounting the bicycle tire

It is best to mount the bicycle tire manually, without using tire levers. If you do use tire levers, you risk damaging the inner tube, causing a new puncture when the inner tube is pinches against the rim. If the tire bead is especially tight, however, tire levers can be used as a last resort. (2, 3) If you do use tire levers, make sure not to push them into or over the inner tube.

Push the valve down into the tube as far as possible to create space for the tire.
Then start putting the tire bead back over the rim, starting across from the valve hole. Make sure that the tire bead is placed inside the rim flange.
Put the rest of the tire back on the rim and make sure to put the last part back in near the valve. (1)
Make sure that the tire is pushed down into the rim bed as far as possible, so there’s enough space to put back the last part.
Let some air out of the inner tube, if necessary.
Try putting the last part of the tire on the rim by hand. Applying soap suds to the outer tire bead can make it easier to get the tire over the rim without using tire levers.
Gently inflate the tire to the right pressure and tighten the lock nut until it is flush with the rim.
Make sure that the tire is evenly centered on the rim.