Remove the wheel from the frame
Start by flipping your bike upside down so it rests on the handlebars and seat, or place it in a bike stand if you have one. This keeps your hands free and gives you clear access to the wheels.
Locate the quick-release lever or axle nuts on the wheel you need to change. A quick-release lever is a hinged metal handle on the side of the wheel hub; flip it open and unscrew the opposite side slightly until the wheel lifts free. If your bike has axle nuts instead (solid bolts on both sides of the hub), use a wrench to loosen them counterclockwise, then unscrew them by hand and set them somewhere you won't lose them.
For the rear wheel, pull the derailleur (the mechanism that shifts gears) back and out of the way so the chain has slack. Lift the wheel up and out of the frame. The chain will hang loose—this is normal.
Key Takeaways
- You need a tire lever (or two), a new or repaired inner tube, and a pump to complete a tire change.
- The tire lever slides under the tire bead to pry it off the rim without pinching the inner tube.
- Always check inside the tire for thorns, glass, or sharp objects before installing a new tube, or the new tube will puncture when ready.
- Inflate the tire partially by hand before using a pump so the tube seats evenly in the rim.
- Reinstall the wheel by reversing the removal steps: thread the axle nuts or close the quick-release, then check that the wheel spins freely.
Pry the tire off the rim using a tire lever
A tire lever is a flat, slightly curved tool designed to separate the tire from the rim without damaging the tube or rim. You need at least one, though two makes the job easier. If you don't have a tire lever, a flathead screwdriver can work in a pinch, but it's more likely to slip and pinch the tube.
Insert the tire lever under the edge of the tire (called the bead) at a point away from the valve stem. Pry gently upward to lift the tire bead over the rim edge. Once you have lifted one section, slide the lever around the rim to free the entire bead. You only need to remove one side of the tire; the other side can stay on the rim.
Once one bead is free, reach in and pull out the old inner tube. Start at the valve stem and work your way around. Don't worry about being rough here—the tube is punctured and going in the trash.
Inspect the tire and rim for damage
Before you install a new tube, run your fingers carefully inside the tire to feel for thorns, glass shards, or sharp objects. This is the most common reason a new tube punctures within hours of installation. If you find anything, remove it with tweezers or a small tool.
Check the rim tape—the strip of material that covers the spoke holes on the inside of the rim. If it's torn or missing, sharp spoke ends can puncture a new tube. Rim tape is inexpensive and straightforward to replace; if yours is damaged, wrap new tape around the rim before installing the new tube.
Look at the tire itself for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. A small puncture in the tire can be repaired with a patch kit, but a large cut or a bulge means the tire needs replacement. If the tire is damaged beyond a small puncture, install a new tire along with the new tube.
Install the new inner tube
Before you start, check that the new tube is the correct size for your rim. The size is printed on the tube's packaging and should match the size printed on your tire's sidewall (for example, 700c or 26 inches).
Inflate the new tube slightly by mouth or with a pump—just enough so it holds its shape and doesn't fold on itself. This prevents the tube from twisting inside the tire, which can cause a pinch flat.
Insert the valve stem through the rim hole first. Then tuck the tube evenly inside the tire all the way around the rim. Make sure the tube isn't twisted and doesn't bunch up anywhere.
Seat the tire bead back onto the rim
Starting opposite the valve stem, use your hands to push the tire bead back onto the rim. Work your way around in both directions toward the valve stem. The last section, near the valve, will be tight—this is normal. Push the valve stem up into the tire to create slack, then roll the final section of bead onto the rim.
Once the tire is fully seated, the bead should sit evenly on both sides of the rim with no bulges or gaps. If one section looks higher or lower than the rest, deflate the tube slightly, reseat that section, and try again.
Inflate the tire to the correct pressure
Check the tire's sidewall for the recommended pressure range, printed as "PSI" (pounds per square inch). Road bike tires typically call for 80–130 PSI; mountain bike tires usually 30–50 PSI. Start at the lower end of the range if you're unsure.
Use a floor pump with a pressure gauge for accuracy. Attach the pump head to the valve stem and inflate slowly. Stop every few seconds to check that the tire bead is seating evenly on the rim. If you see the bead pulling away from the rim on one side, deflate, reseat it, and try again.
Once the tire reaches the target pressure, remove the pump and check the valve stem to make sure it's straight and not leaking. A small hiss when you first remove the pump is normal; a steady leak means the tube or valve is faulty.
Reinstall the wheel on the frame
For the front wheel, align the axle with the fork dropouts (the slots at the end of the fork) and slide the wheel in. If your bike has a quick-release, thread the axle into the dropouts, close the lever, and tighten the opposite side until the wheel is snug and doesn't move side to side. If you have axle nuts, thread them on by hand first, then tighten with a wrench.
For the rear wheel, pull the derailleur back and guide the chain onto the smallest cog (the smallest gear at the back). Slide the axle into the dropouts, making sure the chain sits on top of the cog. Close the quick-release or tighten the axle nuts the same way as the front.
Spin the wheel to make sure it doesn't rub on the brake pads or frame. If it does, the wheel isn't centered in the frame—remove it and reseat it. Once the wheel spins freely, you're done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with the old punctured tube?
You can patch and reuse a tube with a small puncture using a patch kit, which costs a few dollars and takes 10 minutes. Larger holes or valve damage mean the tube should be recycled. Many bike shops accept old tubes for recycling.
Can I change a tire without a tire lever?
A tire lever is designed to prevent pinching the tube, but you can use a flathead screwdriver or even a sturdy plastic spoon in an emergency. Work slowly and carefully to avoid puncturing the new tube as you pry the bead off.
Why does my new tube keep puncturing?
The most common cause is a sharp object still inside the tire or a damaged rim tape. Always inspect the tire thoroughly and check the rim tape before installing a new tube. The second most common cause is pinching the tube during installation—inflate it slightly before seating the bead to prevent this.
How tight should the quick-release lever be?
The lever should require firm hand pressure to close, not be loose or fall closed on its own. If it's too loose, the wheel can shift during riding. If it's too tight, you'll strain your hand closing it. Adjust the tension by turning the opposite side of the quick-release slightly.
Do I need to replace the tire if I only have a small puncture?
No. A small puncture in the tire can be patched from the inside using a tire patch kit (different from a tube patch kit). If the puncture is larger than a quarter inch or the tire has multiple punctures, replacement is safer.