How to change a road bike tire without tools

Luckily, I devised a fool-proof technique for changing a bike tire without tools such as levers and spoons. Today, I am going to share the same with you as well. All you will need are your hands and a little force. Even a little air in the inner tubes can make the task of changing a bike tire without the help of any tools a bit challenging.

So, it would help if you squeezed out every ounce of air present in the tubes through the valve. You will need a pointed object to do the job, though. Once the step of deflating the tire is out of the way, it is time to break the tire loose from the rim. The longer a tire is on the rim, the more dust, grease, and other particles in the gap between the two have bonded them with each other.

To break the tire loose from the rim, squeeze the sides of the tire with your hands. You might need to use a little force here, but nothing super challenging. A tire is always slightly bigger than the rim it is intended to go with.

This pumped air expands the tire horizontally and reduces its radius by a little bit. This difference between the tire and rim is called slack. This will create enough gap between the tire and the rim that you can push the tire off the rim.

To bring the slack to one place, grip and pull the beads at the valve and work your way up towards a single point. Support the tire against your stomach or on the floor. Now use your palm as a lever and push the slack outward off the rim. Similarly, work your way along the rim until the entire tire lies on the ground. This step is fairly straightforward. Ensure the tube is fully deflated if you find it difficult to remove.

Take another tire lever and place it 6 inches to the side of. Pull down to try and pry the tire up off the bead. Lift valve from valve hole and remove tube from wheel. To fully inspect the tube and tire, it is best to remove both completely.

After checking the tire, put one bead back on the rim, leaving the other side loose so you can install the new or patched tube photo 2. You might also try to latch onto a spoke, providing more leverage.

This bike has 27 tires, which is an older style. But tires can be tight these days. You probably know how to change a tire. Press the bike tire back over the rim, being careful not to pinch the tube. Learn to get rubber to rim without them. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Put your bicycle on its side with the chain facing up. The chain side, which is called the driving side, should always face up to avoid damaging it.

You can also turn the bike upside down, resting it on its handlebars. You can find these stands at some bicycle stores or online. Usually, this will be the outer gear. Setting your chain on this outer, smaller gear will make it easier to remove the rear tire. Open and remove the quick release lever, if your bike has one. Look for the quick release lever at the center of your bicycle wheel.

Pull up on the lever, then turn it degrees to loosen it. Remove the lever from the axle and set it aside. Hook the wrench onto the nut, then turn to loosen it. Continue turning the nut until it comes off.

Remove the wheel nuts on both sides of the bike. A 15mm wrench is usually the correct size for loosening the nuts on a bicycle. Detach the brake cables if necessary. In many cases, opening the quick release lever also detaches the brakes. Instructions vary for different bike models. Lift the wheel off the frame. Pull the tire out of the forked slot that supports it on the bicycle. You may need to slightly shift the bike tire as you remove it. Part 2. Deflate the tire completely.

Loosen the cap on the air valve. If it comes completely off, set the cap aside. Release the air using the correct procedure for your air valve type. This will make it easier to remove. If you have a Presta valve, unscrew and pull up on the valve cap to release the air. If you have a Dunlop valve, take off the cap, then pull up on the air valve to release the air. Hook the rounded edge of a tire lever under the outer edge of your tire. This will pop up the edge of the tire, releasing it from the frame.

Pull the other end of the lever down toward the spokes. Next, hook the other end of the lever onto a wheel spoke to keep the edge of the tire popped up. You may be able to remove your tire with a spoon or screwdriver, but they can damage your tire. Work a second tire lever clockwise around the circumference of the tire. Insert the second lever near the first one, then press up on the tire.

Move the lever clockwise around the tire, pushing up on the tire as you go. Keep going until the entire side is loosened from the frame. Pull the tube out from inside the tire. Insert your fingers under the side of the tire. Grab the tube and slide it out. When you reach the air valve, push it through the hole on the wheel frame, then continue removing the tube. Part 3. Unwrap the tube and remove the dust cap, lock ring, and valve cover.

A dust cap and lock ring may be on your air valve, and you will need to remove them. Loosen or remove the air valve cover so you can add air to the tire. Inflate the bicycle tube slightly so it will hold its shape. Putting air in the tire will also help you avoid pinching, bending, or twisting the tube as you install it. This makes it easier to install the new tube. Inspect the inside wall of the tire for a puncture.

Look for a sharp object that may have punctured the tire, such as a nail, thorn, or piece of glass. Use your eyes, a cloth, or a gloved finger to check the surface of the tire. If there is an item like a thorn or nail stuck in your tire, it will likely puncture the new tube. Place the tube inside the tire.

Press the tube into the tire using your fingers. The tube should follow the shape of the tire. Make sure there are no bends, twists, or kinks in the tube. If you're having trouble getting the tube fully inside, take it out and start over.