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Changing A Flat Tire

If you are reading this because you need to replace your flat tube I am sorry you flatted.  If you are reading this just to be prepared I hope it will be a long time before you have to use this information.  Unfortunately flats happen.  They can happen even if you have a new tube and new tire.  Changing a flat tire is a great skill to have.  If your tire is not all the way flat be sure to let out the remaining air from the tube.  There are two types of valves used on bicycle tubes -PRESTA (skinny metal valve) and SCHRADER (black rubber valve).

 

If you have a presta valve tube unscrew the top portion of the valve and depress the valve core.

 

If you have a schrader valve tube depress the valve core inside valve stem. 

 

Once all the air is out you can use your tire levers to remove the tire from the rim.  Push the bead of the tire away from the hook of the rim and slip the flattened end of the tire lever under the tire bead.  

Once you have secured the lever under the tire bead push down on the lever to pull the bead off of the rim.  If the tire is on too tight you may have to use a second tire lever to get the bead away from the rim.  Once you have the tire pulled away from the rim push the tire lever forward along the length of the tire. 

 

This should result one half of the tire coming completely off of the rim.  Pull the tube out of the tire finishing with the valve stem.  Run your thumb along the inner surface of the tire to be sure that what ever caused your flat is no longer poking through your tire.  Also inspect the outer surface of your tire to be sure that it is in good condition and free of cuts and debris.  Before you replace your tube be sure that it has just enough air in it to give it some shape.  You do not want to put a completely flat tube into your tire it will increase the likely hood of pinching the tube when you reinflate the tire. Replace your tube inside of the tire beginning with the valve stem.  With your hands carefully pull the bead of the tire back into the hook of the rim. 

 

Finish at the valve stem.  I will explain why shortly.  The last part of the tire may be difficult to pull into the rim.  Fight the temptation to use your tire lever - you will pinch your tube with the lever.  Instead grab the tire tightly with your hands and pull it over the top of the rim (See photo above).  Some tire/rim combos can be a real bugger but keep pulling you will get it.  You may also want to let a little bit of air out if the tube.  When the tire is back on the rim be sure that the tube is fully inside the tire and not pinched between the tire and the rim.  I finish the reinstallation of the tire at the valve stem because it allows me to push the tube up into the tire.  It is usually the last part of the tire re-install that pinches the tube.  So finishing at the valve stem gives you an easy way to minimize the risk.  Now reinflate your tire.  Be sure the tire is completely seated on the rim before you fully inflate.  Double check to make sure the tube isn't squeezing out anywhere.  Once you are sure all is well inflate to the desired pressure. 

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