You need a tire lever and about five minutes
Removing a bicycle tire is a straightforward task that requires only a tire lever (or two) and a few minutes of your time. The process is the same whether you're fixing a flat, replacing the tire, or cleaning the rim. Start by deflating the tire completely, then use the lever to pry the tire bead — the inner edge of the tire — away from the rim, and work your way around until the tire comes free.
The hardest part for most people is the first pry; after that, the tire loosens quickly. If you're working on a rear wheel, you may need to shift the chain out of the way first, but the removal itself takes no special skill or strength.
Key Takeaways
- Deflate the tire completely before you start, or the tire lever will slip and you'll damage the rim.
- A tire lever is a flat, curved tool designed specifically for this job; a screwdriver or butter knife will damage your rim.
- Insert the lever under the tire bead, pry upward to hook it on a spoke, then repeat around the wheel until one side of the tire comes free.
- The inner tube comes out with the tire, so you can patch or replace it while the tire is off.
Step 1: Deflate the tire completely
Press the valve to release all air from the tire. If your bike has a Presta valve (the thin, threaded kind), unscrew the small top cap first, then press it to let the air out. If it has a Schrader valve (the wider kind, like a car tire), just press the center pin.
Do not skip this step. A tire with any air pressure left will resist the lever and cause it to slip, which can bend the rim or gouge the sidewall. Squeeze the tire with your hand to confirm it is completely flat.
Step 2: Insert the tire lever under the bead
A tire lever is a flat, curved tool with a hook on one end. Slide the flat end under the tire bead — the inner edge of the tire that sits on the rim — at a point away from the valve. Push it in about two inches so you have room to pry.
If you have only one lever, you can work with it, but two levers make the job faster. Most bike shops sell them in sets of two for a few dollars. Do not use a screwdriver, butter knife, or any sharp tool; these will puncture the tire or crack the rim.
Step 3: Pry the bead up and hook it on a spoke
Press down on the lever handle to pry the tire bead upward and away from the rim. Once you have lifted it enough, the hook end of the lever will catch on a spoke, holding the bead in place. This is the hardest part of the job; after this, the tire loosens quickly.
If the bead slips back down, the tire still has air in it. Stop and deflate it further. Once the bead is hooked on a spoke, move to the next section of the tire.
Step 4: Work your way around the wheel
Insert the second lever (or reposition the first one) about six inches away from the first, and pry again. The bead should lift more easily this time. Continue around the wheel, spacing your pries about six inches apart, until one side of the tire is completely free from the rim.
You do not need to remove the other side of the tire yet. Once one bead is loose, you can slide the inner tube out from underneath, and the tire will hang loosely on the rim.
Step 5: Remove the inner tube
Pull the inner tube out from under the tire, starting at the valve. If the valve is threaded (Presta), you may need to unscrew the locknut at the base to pull it through the rim hole. Once the tube is out, set it aside for patching or replacement.
At this point, the tire is still on the rim but loose enough to work with. If you need to remove the tire completely — to replace it or clean the rim — pry the second bead off the same way you did the first.
Rear wheel removal: shift the chain first
If you are removing the rear tire, shift the chain onto the smallest cog before you start. This moves the derailleur out of the way and gives you more room to work. The tire removal process is identical; the chain straightforward sits higher on the cassette and does not interfere.
When you reinstall the tire, shift back to the smallest cog again before you push the wheel into the frame. This makes it easier to seat the tire and chain correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the tire bead won't come loose?
The tire still has air in it. Deflate it again by pressing the valve, and squeeze the tire with your hands to make sure it is completely flat. A tire with even a small amount of pressure will resist the lever. Once it is truly flat, the bead should come free with moderate pressure on the lever.
Can I use a screwdriver instead of a tire lever?
No. A screwdriver has a sharp edge that will puncture the tire or gouge the aluminum rim. Tire levers are inexpensive — usually two to five dollars for a set of two — and they are designed to distribute pressure without damaging the wheel. They are worth buying.
Do I have to remove both sides of the tire?
No. Once one bead is loose, you can pull the inner tube out and work on it without removing the second bead. You only need to pry both sides off if you are replacing the tire or cleaning the rim thoroughly.
What if the valve won't pull through the rim hole?
If you have a Presta valve, unscrew the locknut at the base of the valve — the small nut closest to the rim. This loosens the valve and lets it slide through the hole. For a Schrader valve, the valve should pull through without any loosening needed.
How do I know if my tire is fully deflated?
Squeeze the tire hard with both hands. It should feel completely soft with no resistance. If you feel any firmness, press the valve again and squeeze once more. A fully deflated tire will compress easily under hand pressure.