What you need before you start

Installing a bicycle tire requires a tire lever (or two), a pump, and the new tire itself. A tire lever is a flat plastic or metal tool that pries the tire bead—the edge that sits in the rim—away from the wheel so you can work with it. Most bike shops sell them for a few dollars, and many come in sets of two or three. You will also need to know your wheel size, which is printed on the side of your old tire (common sizes are 26", 27.5", 29" for mountain bikes, or 700c for road bikes) and your tire width.

Before you begin, remove the wheel from your bike. For the front wheel, open the quick-release lever or unscrew the axle nuts, then lift the wheel out of the fork. For the rear wheel, shift to the smallest chainring, open the quick-release or unscrew the axle nuts, pull the derailleur back, and lift the wheel out of the chain. Set the wheel on a flat surface where you can work on it comfortably.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the old tire by inserting a tire lever under the bead and prying it over the rim edge, then work your way around the wheel until the tire comes free.
  • Inspect the rim tape to make sure it covers all spoke holes, because a torn or missing tape will pinch your new inner tube and cause a flat.
  • Seat the new tire bead into the rim by hand first, starting at the valve hole, before using a lever to pry the second bead over the rim.
  • Inflate the tire slowly while watching both sides of the rim to may support the tire bead is seating evenly, then inflate to the pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
  • Reinstall the wheel on your bike, making sure the quick-release or axle nuts are tight and the wheel spins freely without rubbing the brake pads.

Removing the old tire and inner tube

Start by letting air out of the old tire completely—press the valve to release all pressure. Insert a tire lever under the tire bead (the edge of the tire that hooks into the rim) about 6 inches away from the valve. Pry the bead up and over the rim edge. Hook the other end of the lever to a spoke so it stays in place, then move around the wheel about 12 inches and insert the second lever. Pry again, then move the second lever further around the rim. Keep moving one lever at a time until the entire bead is over the rim.

Once one bead is free, the tire will come off easily. Lift it away from the wheel and remove the old inner tube. Check the inside of the tire for thorns, glass, or sharp objects that might have caused a puncture—run your fingers carefully along the inside surface. If you find anything, remove it. Also inspect the rim tape, which is a strip of rubber or cloth that covers the spoke holes. If it is torn, missing, or loose, replace it before installing the new tire, because a damaged rim tape will pinch your new inner tube and cause another flat.

Installing the new inner tube and tire

Before you touch the new tire, inflate the inner tube slightly—just enough so it holds its shape and is not completely flat. This makes it easier to position inside the tire without twisting or pinching it. Insert the valve stem through the rim hole first, then work the inner tube around the inside of the tire, making sure it sits evenly all the way around.

Now insert the tire bead into the rim by hand, starting at the valve and working your way around in both directions. Push the bead down into the rim as you go. When you have worked your way all the way around, the second bead should still be off the rim. Use a tire lever to pry this second bead over the rim edge, working your way around the wheel just as you did when removing the old tire. This is the hardest part—take your time and do not rush. If the lever gets stuck, move to a different spot on the rim rather than forcing it.

Seating the tire bead and inflating

Once both beads are over the rim, the tire is not yet seated correctly. The bead needs to be pushed down into the rim channel so it sits evenly on both sides. Before you inflate, use your hands to push the tire bead down into the rim all the way around the wheel. You should see a line molded into the tire sidewall—this line should be just above the rim edge when the tire is seated correctly.

Attach your pump to the valve and inflate slowly to about 20 pounds per square inch (psi). Stop and look at both sides of the rim to make sure the tire bead is sitting evenly. If one side is higher than the other, deflate slightly, adjust the bead by hand, and try again. Once the bead looks even, inflate to the pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Road tires typically call for 80 to 130 psi, while mountain bike tires usually need 30 to 50 psi—check your specific tire for the correct range.

Checking your work before reinstalling the wheel

Spin the wheel and watch the tire as it rotates. It should spin smoothly without wobbling side to side or rubbing on the brake pads. Look at the seating line on both sides of the tire—it should be the same distance from the rim all the way around. If the tire is uneven, deflate it, adjust the bead, and reinflate.

Press on the tire with your thumb to make sure it feels firm and holds its shape. A properly inflated tire will resist pressure but not feel rock hard. If it feels soft, add a few more psi. If it feels too hard, let a small amount of air out. Once you are satisfied, you are ready to reinstall the wheel on your bike.

Reinstalling the wheel on your bike

For the front wheel, lift it into the fork and align the axle with the fork dropouts (the slots at the bottom of the fork). Push the wheel all the way in until it sits firmly. If your bike has a quick-release, close the lever firmly—it should require real pressure to close. If your bike has axle nuts, tighten them by hand first, then use a wrench to snug them down. Spin the wheel to make sure it does not rub on the brake pads.

For the rear wheel, pull the derailleur back with your hand, lift the chain onto the smallest cog, and guide the wheel into the chain. Align the axle with the rear dropouts and push the wheel all the way in. Close the quick-release or tighten the axle nuts the same way you did the front wheel. Spin the wheel to check for rubbing, then shift through the gears to make sure the derailleur moves smoothly and the chain does not skip.

Common mistakes that cause problems

The most common mistake is not seating the tire bead evenly before inflating. If you inflate a tire that is not sitting in the rim channel correctly, the bead will not seat properly and the tire may come off the rim while you are riding. Always check the seating line on both sides before you finish inflating.

Another frequent problem is pinching the inner tube with a tire lever while removing or installing the tire. Work slowly and deliberately, and if you feel resistance, stop and reposition the lever rather than forcing it. A pinched tube will fail within a few miles of riding.

Finally, do not forget to check the rim tape. A torn or missing rim tape is one of the most common causes of repeated flats, because the sharp spoke ends will puncture the inner tube. Inspect it every time you remove a tire, and replace it if you see any damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace the inner tube every time I replace the tire?

No. If the inner tube has no holes or damage, you can reuse it. However, if the tire failed because of a pinch flat or a large puncture, inspect the inner tube carefully for damage before reinstalling it. If you are not sure whether it is safe, a new inner tube costs only a few dollars and is worth the peace of mind.

What if I cannot get the tire bead over the rim with a lever?

The tire may be too tight for the rim, or the rim may be dirty or damaged. Clean the rim edge with a dry cloth and try again. If the tire still will not fit, the tire or rim may be the wrong size—check that your tire width matches your rim width. If you are stuck, take the wheel to a bike shop rather than forcing it, because you can damage the rim or tire.

How do I know if the tire is inflated to the right pressure?

The correct pressure is printed on the sidewall of the tire, usually as a range (for example, "80–130 psi"). Use a floor pump with a built-in gauge, or a separate pressure gauge, to check. Start at the lower end of the range and add air until the tire feels firm and the gauge reads the pressure you want. Road tires need higher pressure than mountain bike tires.

Can I install a tire without a tire lever?

It is possible to remove a tire by hand if it is loose enough, but installing the second bead without a lever is very difficult and can pinch the inner tube. A tire lever costs a few dollars and makes the job much easier and safer. It is worth having one in your repair kit.

What should I do if the tire keeps going flat after I install it?

Check the rim tape first—a torn or missing tape is the most common cause of repeated flats. If the tape looks good, inspect the inner tube for holes by inflating it and listening for air leaks, or submerging it in water and looking for bubbles. If you find a hole, replace the inner tube. If the tube is fine, the tire itself may have a defect—try a different tire to rule that out.