Just changed your tire but don’t know how to get it back on your bike? The good news is that it’s never too hard to learn & once you get the hang of it, it is easy peasy!
So how to put a bike tire back on the rim? Put the air valve in the air valve hole, align everything, push the rim back, fit all sides into the rim, screw the lock ring and slide the lever, assemble the brakes, and off you go!
Table of Contents
- Guide to Get a Bike Tire Back on the Rim
- What to prepare
- Step 1: Fit one side of the tire on the wheel
- Step 2: Continue to fit bike tires into the wheel frames by working on the other side of the tire
- Step 3: Screw the tire lock ring in place (optional & depends on your bike)
- Step 4: Pump up your tire
- Step 5: Reconnect the wheel with the bike and snap on the brakes.
- Putting a Tubeless Tire on a Bike
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Guide to Get a Bike Tire Back on the Rim
What to prepare
- Spare tube
- Inflation device
- Tire lever
- Wrench
If you know how to get bike tire off rim, then putting it back on is just as simple. To help you out, here are all the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Fit one side of the tire on the wheel
The first step to pop a tire back on the rim is inserting the air valve inside the air valve hole. Along with this, reposition the rim by gently pushing it. Keep in mind that the outer rim and the wheel must be aligned.
This is best done by hand in order to avoid causing any damages on the tire.
Do the step on one side first, beginning with the front bike tire.
Step 2: Continue to fit bike tires into the wheel frames by working on the other side of the tire
For this step, we’ll put the bead back onto the rim.
- Some bike tire won’t go on rim because they’re not in the right sizing. Hence, you must always check the tire dimensions first and accurately purchase the right one. This is the number one requirement before you get tire on rim.
- Ensure that the tube fits perfectly and is under the tire. Remember to start on the opposite valve and little by little, stuff the tube back onto the other side.
- If you find the process difficult because of extra tight tire beads or if you’re handling a tight mountain bike tire, you may use tire levers towards the end of the procedure. Just be careful not to puncture the wheel.
Step 3: Screw the tire lock ring in place (optional & depends on your bike)
If the tube you own has a lock ring, make sure to screw it down to hold your tube and wheel tightly. You may use your hands or you may use a wrench if you prefer. Some bikes don’t have this component, so if that’s the case for you, this step isn’t needed.
Step 4: Pump up your tire
- After changing a road bike tire and before putting back wheel back on bike, it’s necessary to pump some air into it. But first, make sure the seam is even on both sides.
- Then, fill the tube with a small amount of air to create the shape of the tire. For a road bike tire, remember that the standard pressure is 80 PSI to 130 PSI. Mountain and hybrid models often require lower PSIs, around 25 for the former and at most 70 for the latter.
Step 5: Reconnect the wheel with the bike and snap on the brakes.
- Pull the derailleur with one hand and hold the wheel with the other. Put the smallest cog of the wheel back on the chain, and position the wheel on the dropouts.
- Reconnect the wheel into the fork slot and fasten it using a wrench. What holds it all together is a metal bar, so make sure to tighten it. Close the quick-release lever, then tighten the brake arms.
Putting a Tubeless Tire on a Bike
When it comes to tubeless tires, putting back tire on bike may take a different turn as compared to the usual procedure.
Put simply, it’s a whole different process that involves a tape rim and a sealant. Assuming that you’ve removed the tire and have gotten the tape rim off, here’s a jist of the steps you need to know.
- Tape the rim using some tubeless tape.
- Poke a hole through the valve hole and insert the valve.
- Take out the valve core.
- Add 2 to 3 ounces of sealant inside the valve.
- Place back the tire on the wheel and inflate.
- Put the tire back on the bike and spin to spread the sealant inside.
FAQs
Why can’t I get my bike tire back on?
If you can’t get your bike tire on, one of the most common issues is that either the tire beads aren’t placed in the center of the rim or there’s still some air inside the tube.
For the first reason, you can resolve it by squeezing the tire and wiggling it around the wheel with your free hand while holding the tire in place. This causes the beads to move to the tire’s center.
For the second reason, the only way to go about it is to simply disperse the air inside the tire.
How do you put a tire back on a bike frame?
To put a bike wheel back on the bike frame, first, make sure that your bike with gears is shifted into the smallest cog. Next, pull your bike derailleur along with its cage to align with the chain with the smallest cog.
Allow the wheel to slide into the dropouts of the bike. Lastly, insert the quick-release lever or thru-axle and tighten properly.
Conclusion
Whether you’re learning how to put a bike tire back on the rim of a commuter bike or on mountain bike, there’s a lot to learn and get used to.
Luckily, this article can teach you how to get it done easily & properly. Whenever you encounter a tire problem and need to take it out and snap it right back, refer to this guide.
Share the tips here with your bike enthusiast friends to help them out. Together, save some money instead of spending it on experts. Be a do-it-yourself pro when it comes to fixing your bike!
“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.”