When the time comes to replace your bike’s tires you’ll be faced with a bewildering choice in the popular 26in and 700c market. Bikes that see only occasional use in the summer months don’t need state-of-the-art, Kevlar-beaded, race-proven exotic tires. Tires on these bikes will require replacement mostly because they’ve perished. A tire from the budget end of the market will be suitable here.
For riders with bikes that have moderate to extreme use, it’s always worth purchasing a quality tire. These will often have some puncture resistance in the form of a Kevlar (or similar) cloth woven into their fabric. They may even have different rubber compounds for different road or trail conditions.
For road riding, most tires will be smooth with little or no visible tread pattern. Tires for commuter bikes often feature a central smooth section and a distinct tread pattern at the edges. This gives a lower rolling resistance when travelling in a straight line and additional grip when cornering.
The choice for mountain bikes is vast, from smooth, ‘slick’ road-style tires right through to mud tires with large, wide-spaced rubber spikes, and all points in between.
How to remove a bike tire
Step 1
This worn-out tire is due for replacement. Deflate it by first removing the dust cap. On Presta tubes unscrew the centre nut and depress the valve; on Schrader tubes depress the valve centre with a nail or the edge of a tire lever.
Step 2
With the tire deflated, push the tire bead into the centre of the rim. Do this on both sides of the tire. Next use a tire lever to hook the bead over the rim. If you have a loose-fitting tire it may now be possible to slide the lever all the way around the rim, lifting the tire bead over as you proceed. If not, hook the lever over a spoke and insert another tire lever about 100mm from the first. This should be enough to get the bead over the rim, but if not insert yet another lever a little further along.
Step 3
Once the tire bead is over the edge of the rim use the tire lever or your hand to unhook the bead all the way around the rim.
Step 4
Reach into the tire carcase and pull down the tube all the way around.
Step 5
When you get to the valve, push the tire back over the rim, pull out the valve and remove the tube.
Step 6
Now pull the tire off the rim. You may need to use a tire lever to help it over the rim.
Step 7
Now is a good time to inspect the rim tape and the condition of the rim itself. On single-wall rims check that none of the spokes are standing proud. File them down if necessary.
How to fit a new bike tire
When fitting a new tire it’s always a good idea to fit a new inner tube. Inner tubes are often sized to fit the tire, so check that you buy one that’s compatible with the tire.
Where possible, try to fit the new tire without the use of tire levers. On some rim and tire combinations this is very easy, on others you may struggle. Some combinations will always require a tire lever to flip the last section of bead over the rim.
Step 1
Many tires are directional, so check for an arrow mark on the sidewall. The arrow must point in the direction of travel. Lift one side of the tire over the rim.
Step 2
Slightly inflate the new tube – it should just about hold its shape.
Step 3
Push over the bead at the valve hole and then push the valve through. If the tire has a distinct logo, rotate the tire and line it up with the valve. This makes finding the valve a little quicker.
Step 4
Tuck the tube into the tire and then, starting at the valve, work the tire bead over the rim with your thumbs. The bead should slip over easily until the last third.
Step 5
Now start to stretch the tire over the final third. Push the already fitted section down into the wheel well as you progress.
Step 6
If the tire has stretched and dropped into the wheel well you’ll be able to roll the last section of bead over the rim. Keep trying before resorting to the use of a tire lever.
Step 7
Check that the tire bead is seated correctly al the way around. Make sure the valve is at right angles to the rim.
Step 8
Inflate the tire slightly. Check that it’s centralised on the rim and then inflate it some more. Roll the tire along a hard surface to settle it completely on the rim and then fully inflate it. See the appendix for suggested tire pressures.
Occasionally you’ll encounter a rim and tire combination that just won’t fit. This is often due to variations in the manufacturing process of both the rim and the tire. Remember, if it’s a major struggle to fit the tire at home in a warm garage, how are you going to cope in the wind and rain of a winter’s day?