Replace a tire

Skill level 1 of 4 · Home basicsReplaceBasic20 minTire with inner tube

The tire gives grip and comfort; the tube inside holds the air. The tire bead hooks under the rim edge. Rim tape covers the spoke holes. Pressure is the biggest free upgrade on any bike: wider tires at lower pressure grip and roll better on rough ground; narrower and firmer is quicker on smooth pavement. Presta valves are thin with a lock nut; Schrader are car-style.

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Tools

Floor pump with gauge: Topeak JoeBlow Sport III ($$)
Tire levers: Pedro's Tire Levers 2.0 ($)

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Steps

Remove the old tire as in Fix a flat.
Check the sidewall. If there is a rotation arrow, mount the tire so the arrow points the way the wheel turns when you ride forward. If it says FRONT or REAR, put it on that wheel (some mountain tires are made for one end).
Line the tire logo up with the valve (makes finding punctures easy).
Mount, check bead seating, inflate.

Diagram

Sliced across, like cutting through the tireTire, tube and rim

Tire, tube and rim (section) + valves

Signs it needs doing

Flat (pinch flat = two little slits, "snakebite" = pressure too low)
Cuts or threads showing
Bulge in the sidewall (stop riding)
Squared-off tread on the rear

Problems this fixes

Articles about this job

The best first upgrades for a cheap bike (and what to skip): what I found as a beginner