If you would like to attend a tyre changing event at Performance Bicycle Tuning in Auckland on Thursday 14th July @ 6.30 - 7.30pm, click https://www.performancebicycletuning.com/events and register.
Have you ever been out riding, all going well, until you look down and see you have a flat tyre? If you having never changed a tyre before this could be good reason to panic – let’s hope you have good phone coverage to call a friend or follow these 4 simple steps and you’ll be back on your bike in no time to finish that ride.
Step 1. Remove the TyreTake your wheel off. Use your hands to loosen the bead of the tyre from the rim*. Then slip the flat end of the tyre lever under the bead; hook the other end onto an adjacent spoke. Insert a second lever under the bead and slide it between the tyre and rim until one side is completely off. Remove the other side and pull out the damaged inner tube.
Step 2. Inspect Tyre Run your fingers along the inside of the tyre slowly to feel for and clear anything that may have caused the flat – a thorn, a piece of glass, wire or a nail. Two side-by-side holes (like a snakebite) usually indicate a pinch flat, which is generally a result of under inflation or from hitting a decent pot hole.
Step 3. Install new Inner TubeSeat one side of the tyre onto the rim, and then tuck a new, slightly inflated tube inside – starting at the valve hole and working your way around. Using the palms of your hands, roll the other side of the tyre onto the rim, making sure the tube isn’t getting pinched as you go.
Step 4. Inflate the TubeWith your pump attached to your valve stem (there are two types: Schrader and Presta, the latter more common on road tubes), inflate the tube to about half your desired tyre pressure. Make sure the tyre is seated properly on the rim, then pump until you reach the desired pressure. Refit and GO!
It’s okay to …
Ask someone to help if you’re not ready to tackle the job yourself
Practice at home on a perfectly good tyre and tube. In fact, we recommend you do this till you feel comfortable with the process.
Come and see the Team at Performance Bicycle Tuning for a demonstration.
If you would like to attend a tyre changing event at Performance Bicycle Tuning in Auckland on Thursday 14th July @ 6.30 - 7.30pm, go to https://www.performancebicycletuning.com/events and register.
*Note: Sometimes you can remove the tyre without levers