1.Preparations and tools before you change the bike tire?

You need a new outer tire, tire levers (at least 2) and a tire pump. That’s enough to change a bike tire. Undoubtedly, you need a new outer tire and a pump. Someone once asked me if tire levers were necessary. We have seen people complete the entire tire-changing process without using tire levers. But we do not recommend you do this. It requires a lot of skills and may hurt your fingers.

2.The specific process – change a bike tire

Step 1: Invert your bike, deflate the tube, remove the wheel

After preparing the necessary materials and tools, the first thing you need to do is to invert your bicycle on the ground. The two ends of the handlebar and the saddle will form a triangle to keep your bicycle stable. Placing a magazine under the handlebar and the saddle can effectively prevent them from being worn. In this way, you don’t even need a bicycle stand. Then deflate your inner tube.

When the tire pressure in the inner tube is normal, the bite between the entire outer tire – outer tire – rim system is very tight. You will not be able to insert the tire lever into the gap between them, so you will also not be able to remove the outer tire. Finally, please directly remove the wheel whose outer tire needs to be replaced. If your bicycle have a quick-release system, this process will be very fast. If your bicycle don’t have a quick-release system, you may need a wrench.

Step 2: Peel off one side of the old outer tire from the rim.

Insert the tire lever into the gap between the outer tire and the rim, starting from the position farthest from the valve. Pry up one side of the tire bead (tire edge) of the outer tire to separate it from the bead seat of the rim. Something to note here is that you’d better move the tire lever along the rim gradually to pry the tire bead of the outer tire off the rim little by little. Be careful not to use too much force to avoid damaging the rim or breaking the tire lever. Eventually, completely separate one side of the tire bead of the tire from the bead seat of the rim.

Step 3: Remove the inner tube and then the tire

After one side of the tire bead of the outer tire is completely separate from the rim, you can gently pull the inner tube out of the outer tire. After removing the inner tube, you can peel off the other side of the tire bead of the outer tire from the rim and remove the entire outer tire from the rim.

Step 4: Clean the rim.

Before change the bike tire, you can check whether there are any debris, rust or worn places on the part of the rim that contacts the inner tube. If there is debris, wipe it clean with a clean cloth. For rust or worn parts, handle or repair them as the case may be.

Step 5: Install the new outer tire.

Align the valve position of the new outer tire with the valve hole on the rim. Starting from the valve, use your hands to gradually install one side of the tire bead of the outer tire onto the rim. When one side of the outer tire is installed about halfway, use the tire lever to pry the remaining part into the rim. Be careful that the tire lever does not damage the inner tube.

Step 6: Install the inner tube.

When one side of the tire bead of the new tire is completely engaged with the rim, carefully place the inner tube into the new outer tire to ensure that the inner tube is not twisted or folded. Otherwise, it will cause a tire blowout.

Step 7: Install the other side of the tire bead.

Use your hands to push the other side of the tire bead of the outer tire onto the bead seat of the rim as much as possible. If you start to feel difficult, then use the tire lever again to install the outer tire completely in place.

Step 8: Pump up the tire and Install the wheel back

Use the pump to inflate the tire to the appropriate pressure. Check whether the outer tire is firmly installed and whether there are any bulges or uneven areas. In this step, you may need to pay attention to the proper installation of the quick-release system and the brake system. now you know how to change a bike tire.

Up to here, I believe you can change a bike tire independently. If you are still interested, here are some other topics related to the replacement of the bicycle outer tire.

3.When to replace the bike tire?

(1) The tire tread becomes significantly shallower or even disappears. The main function of the tire tread is to provide grip and drainage. If the tread is severely worn, it is prone to slipping when riding on slippery roads, and the braking distance will also increase. When riding in the rain, due to the worn tire tread, water cannot be effectively drained, which may cause the wheel to slip and increase the risk of falling.

There are a large number of wear marks, cracks or damages on the tire surface. This will reduce the strength and durability of the tire and increase the possibility of a tire blowout. After riding on rough roads for a long time, many fine cracks may appear on the tire surface. Continuing to use it may cause the tire to suddenly rupture.

(2) Multiple repairs. The tire has been punctured or scratched and repaired multiple times. Multiple repairs will weaken the tire structure and affect its performance and safety. Suppose a tire has been punctured multiple times and repaired in a short period of time, its ability to withstand pressure will decrease, and it is prone to problems when riding at high speed or with heavy loads.

(3) Oxidation.The tire rubber ages, hardens and loses elasticity. This will lead to a decrease in grip and riding comfort.

For example, the tires of a bicycle that has been left unused for a long time may become hard due to rubber aging, affecting the riding experience and safety.

(4) Deformation. The tire shows bulges, depressions or irregular shapes. This deformation may affect the rotational balance of the wheel, increase riding resistance, and may also cause a tire blowout. After a strong impact, the tire may bulge. If you keep using them, the bulge may suddenly rupture during riding.

4.Is it necessary to go to a bicycle shop to replace the bike tire?

Unlike the inner tube, the bicycle inner tube generally blowout in the middle of a riding activity, and it is best for you to learn how to replace the inner tube yourself and carry an inner tube with you for replacement. But the outer tire generally does not face a situation where it cannot work without immediate repair and replacement.

So you can slowly decide when to replace and whether to replace it yourself or go to a professional bicycle shop to replace it without affecting the arrangement of the upcoming riding activities. If you are replacing the outer tire for the first time or are not familiar with the structure and maintenance of the bicycle, going to a professional bicycle shop may be a better choice to ensure the quality and safety of the replacement. But if you have enough confidence and experience and have the corresponding tools, it is also possible to replace it yourself.

(1) Replace the bike tire at a bike shop has certain advantages

Professional technicians have rich experience and professional knowledge, can accurately judge the condition of the outer tire, select the appropriate model, and install it correctly to avoid problems caused by improper installation. They can recommend the most suitable outer tire for you according to your riding needs and rim specifications to ensure you get the best performance and safety. Bicycle shops have special tools, such as high-quality tire levers and pumps, which can complete the replacement work more efficiently and safely. Using inappropriate tire lever tools may damage the rim or outer tire. If there is a problem after replacing the outer tire, bicycle shops usually provide certain after-sales guarantee and maintenance services.

(2) Replacing the outer tire yourself is not impossible

Replacing the bicycle outer tire by yourself can save labor costs. For those who like to do it themselves, have a certain mechanical foundation and are willing to learn, replacing the outer tire by themselves is a good opportunity to improve skills and understand the structure of the bicycle.

5.How to choose the bicycle outer tire that suits you?

(1) Riding purpose

If you mainly ride on flat roads, you should choose narrow and smooth outer tires to reduce rolling resistance and increase speed. For example, road outer tires of size 700×23C or 700×25C have a low-resistance tread design. You need wider outer tires with deep and rough treads for your MTB to provide good grip and passing ability. Mountain outer tires of 26×2.1 inches or 27.5×2.2 inches can remain stable in complex terrain. In commuting and leisure riding, you can choose medium-width outer tires with moderate treads to balance speed and comfort.

(2) Road conditions

If you often ride on slippery roads, such as urban roads in rainy days or muddy mountain trails, choose outer tires with good drainage performance and anti-skid design. Some outer tires have drainage grooves and special rubber formulations to enhance grip on slippery roads. If the riding road has many stones and sharp objects, you should choose more wear-resistant and puncture-resistant outer tires.

(3）Bicycle type, rider’s weight, budget and brand

Besides, bicycle type, rider’s weight, budget and brand matters.

Road bikes usually need to match specific sizes and specifications of road outer tires. Mountain bikes have different wheel diameters (such as 26 inches, 27.5 inches, 29 inches) and corresponding outer tire options. Riders with heavier weight may need sturdier outer tires that can withstand higher pressure to prevent excessive wear and tire blowouts. The price range of outer tires is wide, from economical options to high-end and high-performance products. Choose a reliable outer tire within your budget. Well-known brands are usually more guaranteed in quality and performance. You can refer to the evaluations and recommendations of other riders. Continental, Michelin, etc. are all well-recognized brands in the field of bicycle outer tires.

6.What do signs on the bicycle outer tire mean?

The numbers and letters on the bicycle outer tire usually contain rich information. The following are the common meanings.

(1) Size marking. For example, “700×23C”, “700” indicates that the diameter of the rim is approximately 700 millimeters, “23” indicates that the width of the outer tire is 23 millimeters, and “C” indicates that this is a specification of a road bike tire.

(2) Load index and speed rating. You may see markings like “62-559 28×1 5/8×1 1/2 40-622”. The numbers “62” and “40” may represent the load index, indicating the maximum weight the tire can withstand. And numbers such as “559” and “622” may indicate the outer diameter of the rim.

(3) Tire type and characteristics: Letters such as “MTB” usually represent tires used for Mountain Bike. “Clincher” indicates an open tire, which is a common type of outer tire.

(4) Tread and usage marking. For example, “All-Terrain” indicates that this tire is suitable for various road surfaces, “Slick” indicates that this is a slick tire that can only be used for road riding, and “Tread” indicates that this tire has a surface pattern to increase friction. These markings are all to describe the tread characteristics and applicable scenarios of the tire.

By the way, SUMLON has been manufacturing bicycle parts for over 15 years. Contact us if you are looking for a bike parts factory or a one-stop wholesaler. Peace