Flat tires happen all the time. Whether your tire is suffering from deterioration or the tire threads have run out, it is necessary to know the basics of replacing a mountain bike tire. Good thing, the process is easy, and you only need the fundamental bike repair skills to get started.
Replacing your bicycle tire will just take a few minutes so you can get back to the trails in no time. Simply follow this step-by-step guide on how to change a mountain bike tire. The instructions are straightforward, and can be followed by every amateur biker.
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Things You Need for This Tutorial
Changing a mountain bike tire does not require you to visit a bike repair shop. You only need to prepare a few simple tools: a pump, Allen wrench, spare tube, and tire levers. With these tools, you can execute Roadmaster bike tire replacement all by yourself!
Step-by-Step to Change a Mountain Bike Tire
Step 1: Taking the wheel off your MTB
The first step you need to take for mountain bike tire replacement is removing the wheel off the bike. If you have a bike repair stand, you can use this and turn your bicycle upside down. Make sure that the machine is resting on the seat and handlebars to avoid any form of damage.
With this position, you can remove the bike wheel smoothly without distraction. Use the rear wheel brake so the wheel can move freely without any restriction. It is important that you pull out the cable from the mountain bike brakes so the wheel can readily slide off and open the brake pads.
The tire is mounted to the axle with two nuts; you need to loosen them using the Allen wrench tool.
Step 2: Remove the tire off the bike rim
After you remove the wheel from the bike’s frame, the next step to change MBT tire is removing the entire tire from the rim. The process would be difficult without the tire lever.
So, it is essential to use a tire lever for this step. You need to pinch the tire on one corner of the rim to take off the tire bid from the rim itself.
Once you pinch a part of the tire, there will be room for the tire lever. Use the tire lever to loosen the attachment of the tire from the whole rim. Run the tire lever along the whole rims, so it loosens entirely.
When you are done running the tire lever, you will notice that the tire is now easy to pull off from the rim. You can remove it successfully. Once you see the flat tube and sealant, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Pull out the old tube
Pay attention to the flat tube next. You can remove it after you have removed one side of the tire from the rim. Keep the flat tube in a secure place. You can use it in the future as a spare tube.
Step 4: Check the tire
You must inspect every angle causing your tire to flatted. Check if there are areas damaged by nails, debris, or road thorns. You can do this by inspecting areas where air can pass through or escape.
Run your hands along the edges of the tire, spot any holes, and feel whether there is air coming out. You can also use water for inspection. Check for air leaks and put the tire underwater. Bubbles indicate damage.
Step 5: Place a new tube
After a thorough inspection, get a new tube and place it in your bike tire. To make things easier, you can inflate the tube a little. It can have shape before you put it inside the tire. Giving shape to the tube helps you align it without having any fold.
Bring the bike tire to the rim by using a tire lever. Make sure that you are not damaging or puncturing the tube, causing your tire to be flat again.
Step 6: Inflate and completely place the new tire
Fully inflate the tire. If you want the easy way to change a bike tire, you can use a hand pump or a CO2 cartridge for this process. Make sure that you put the correct pressure into the tire to avoid damaging it.
Put the tire back to the rim completely. Use the valve system by putting it to the hole in the bike rim. Proceed to the tube next. Ensure that your bike tire holds the air properly and the axle is tight before securing it inside the rim.
Place the mountain bike wheel into your bicycle,l and secure it to its proper place. Connect the bike tire to the brake cables next.
Step 7: Test your new tire
Before you use your new tire in your regular rides, make sure that you double check everything. It is important that the tire is in the central place of the mountain bike. Also check the brakes; they should be working flawlessly. All of the wheel parts need to be tight and secure before you hop on your mountain bike.
Pay attention to the quality of your ride. If it seems off, inspect for any loophole and resolve.
Conclusion
Having a flat tire is normal. Changing your mountain bike tire should be one of the most important skills you have as a cyclist. It will save you from any road trouble, time, and a whole lot of money. Luckily, it is not complicated to replace an old tire with a new one.
If you want to change rear tire on mountain bike, follow this whole process about how to change a mountain bike tire, and you will be confident every time you are on the road.
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“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”