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How to Remove a Tire From a Bike Rim

How to Remove a Tire From a Bike Rim

With permission: iStockphoto.com

If you like to ride on the road or explore new single tracks on your mountain bike, eventually you'll damage your tires and need to replace them. Removing a tire from a bike rim is possible with the proper technique and tools.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Set of tire levers Adustable wrench (optional) Bicycle stand (optional)
  • Set of tire levers
  • Adustable wrench (optional)
  • Bicycle stand (optional)
Step 1
Turn your bicycle over so that it rests on the top of the handle bars and the top of the seat. Secure the bike so that it doesn't move while you replace the wheel. If you're lucky enough to own a bike stand, clamp the downtube of the bike into the clamp.
Step 2
Remove the wheel from the bicycle frame. If your bike uses quick release skewers, pull out on the skewer handle to release the tension on the axle. If the wheel is secured to the frame using standard nuts, loosen the nut with an adjustable wrench, turning the nut in a counter clockwise direction. If you need to remove the rear wheel, pull back on the rear derailleur until the gear cluster is free.
Step 3
Let the air out of the tire by pressing down on the center of the valve stem. If you need to replace the inner tube along with the tire, loosen and remove the nut that secures the valve stem to the wheel.
Step 4
Pry the tire off of the rim by sliding a plastic tire lever underneath the tire bead. Gradually work your way around the tire until one side of the tire is completely free from the wheel.
Step 5
Repeat the process on the other tire bead until the tire is free from the wheel. Recycle the old tire.

Tips & Warnings

 
Use a bicycle workstation whenever possible. Use plastic tire levers.
 
Use a bicycle workstation whenever possible.
 
Use plastic tire levers.
 
Avoid using metal tire levers that can pinch inner tubes.

Article Written By Allen Smith

Allen Smith is an award-winning freelance writer living in Vail, Colo. He writes about health, fitness and outdoor sports. Smith has a master's degree in exercise physiology and an exercise specialist certification with the American College of Sports Medicine at San Diego State University.

Write for Trails.com

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