Ultimate Guide to Replacing a Bike Tire

Last Updated: 09/2025 by Luca West

Cycling is one of the best ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but no ride is entirely free from the chance of a flat tire. That’s why every cyclist should know how to replace one. Along with wearing a properly fitted helmet and following basic safety practices, learning how to change a tire gives you confidence and independence on the road. Without this skill, you risk being stranded, spending more money on shop repairs, or cutting a ride short when you least expect it.

Two blue-gloved hands are squeezing a bike tire that is still attached to the bike.

Quick Gear Checklist for Every Ride

To avoid being caught off guard, pack these basics every time you ride:

Spare tube (correct size and valve type)
Patch kit (for backup repairs)
Tire levers
Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
Multi-tool (for thru-axles or adjustments)

With these tools and a little practice, you’ll always be ready to fix a flat and keep rolling.

Remove the Wheel

The first step in learning how to change a bike tire is removing the wheel. This makes everything else possible, so it’s worth doing carefully. These steps may vary depending on the type of bike and its components.

Shift gears: If you’re removing the back wheel, shift into the smallest gear on the rear cassette. This makes it easier to reinstall later.
Release the brakes: For rim brakes, open the quick-release lever on the caliper to create enough space for the tire to slide out. With disc brakes, the wheel simply lifts away from the caliper.

Note: If your bike has disc brakes, be sure to avoid touching the rotor, as it can

be extremely hot.

Loosen the axle: Bikes with quick-release skewers have a lever you can open and unscrew slightly. For bikes with thru-axles, use an Allen wrench to unscrew and slide the axle out.
Remove the wheel: Lift the bike slightly and guide the wheel out of the fork or frame.

For the rear wheel, gently pull the derailleur back to free the chain, then lower the wheel.

Deflate and Remove the Tire Tube

With the wheel removed, the next step is to remove the tube from inside the tire.

Deflate the tube fully.

For Schrader valves (like those on cars), press the pin inside the valve core.
For Presta valves, remove the top cap, unscrew the valve, and press the tip down.

Unseat the tire. Pinch both sides of the tire to push the bead (the edge of the tire) into the center of the rim. Use a tire lever to lift one side of the tire over the rim edge. Work around the wheel until one bead is off.
Take out the tube. Start opposite the valve and gently pull the tube out, leaving the valve for last.

Inspect the Tire

Before installing a new tube, check the tire and the old tube to find what caused the flat. Skipping this step often leads to another flat soon after.

Run your fingers carefully inside the tire to feel for thorns, glass, or sharp debris.
Check the outside for cuts, punctures, or worn tread.
Check the valve for cracks or other damage. If found, the entire tube will need to be replaced.
Inflate the tube slightly and submerge it in water or spray it with soapy water to look for bubbles that mark a leak.

Checking for small leaks can be hard visually. Mounted bike lights help make this process easier by providing clear visibility, especially when you’re stuck roadside or in low-light conditions.

Decide Between Repair and Replacement

Once you’ve identified the problem, decide whether to repair or replace the tube or tire.

Repair: Small punctures in an otherwise good tube can usually be patched with a repair kit.
Replace: If the tire has a tear, the tube has multiple holes, the patch job doesn’t hold, or you don’t have the right equipment, replacement is usually the best option.

Think about where you are, whether you have spare parts with you, and how worn the tire already looks before deciding. Many cyclists carry an extra tube for this exact situation, but it all depends on your comfort level with changing tires in unexpected places.

Repairing a Damaged Tire Tube

If you decide to repair a tube, you’ll need a patch kit, sandpaper or a metal scuffer, and glue (unless using self-adhesive patches).

Steps to repair:

Inflate the tube slightly to locate the hole.
Mark the hole so it’s easy to find again.
Roughen the puncture area with sandpaper.
Apply glue and let it become tacky, or place a self-adhesive patch directly on the spot.
Press the patch down firmly and let it set.

A patched tube can last, but carrying a spare is always faster when you’re on the road.

Return the Tire Tube to the Wheel

Once the tube is patched or replaced, it’s time to reinstall it.

Place one side of the tire fully onto the rim.
Insert the tube’s valve through the rim hole and tuck the tube inside the tire.
Partially inflate the tube so it holds its shape and helps the patch seal correctly.
Work the second bead of the tire onto the rim, starting opposite the valve. Try to use your hands rather than levers to avoid pinching the tube.
Check around the rim to make sure the tube isn’t caught under the tire.

Finally, inflate the tire to the pressure listed on the sidewall.

Reattach The Wheel

With the tire reinstalled and inflated, the final step is to reattach the wheel to the bike. The process varies slightly depending on whether it’s the front or rear wheel.

Installing a Front Wheel

Flip the bike over so it rests on the seat and handlebars.
Align the wheel with the fork dropouts.
Slide the axle or quick-release skewer through the hub.
Tighten the skewer or thru-axle until it’s snug. A quick-release should close with enough resistance to leave a light mark on your palm.
Reconnect the rim brakes if you have them.
Spin the wheel to make sure it’s seated correctly and spins freely.

Installing a Rear Wheel

Flip the bike over so it rests on the seat and handlebars.
Pull the rear derailleur back to create space for the cassette.
Position the smallest cog between the top and bottom of the chain.
Slide the wheel into the frame dropouts while keeping the chain aligned.
Insert and tighten the skewer or thru-axle.
Reconnect the rim brakes if needed.
Spin the pedals to check that the chain runs smoothly and gears shift correctly.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a bike tire is a simple skill that pays off quickly. Once you’ve practiced a few times, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re patching a puncture or swapping in a fresh tube, knowing how to change a tire means fewer unexpected stops and more freedom on your rides. Carry a repair kit, a pump, and a little patience, and you’ll always be prepared to handle a flat tire.