Changing a bike tyre – Pro tips for home.
A flat tire usually occurs when you least need it. With the following steps, you can ensure that your bike is ready to ride again quickly and cleanly.
Step 1: Prepare tools and materials.
Prepare everything before you start – this will save you time and nerves.
Tools & Material.
- 3-4 tire levers: With these you lift the tire from the rim – this prevents scratches on the rim
- New hose or casing:
– Hose with hole or leaking valve
– Mantel with cracks, bumps or worn-out profile - Air pump with manometer: For the correct pressure. Pay attention to the appropriate pump head (AV, SV, DV)
- Optional: Tweezers, talcum powder (for easier assembly) and a soft cloth
Does the hose or the casing need to be replaced?
Tube.
- Visible hole
- Valve wobbles
- Rubber is brittle
- Loss of air
Coat.
- Cracks in the side wall
- Bump when rolling
- The tire no longer has any tread left
- The tires can no longer be mounted evenly
Valve and size check.
Auto valve (AV), Schrader valve.
The AV is the most common bicycle valve, similar to the tire valve in a car. It is robust and easy to operate.
To inflate: Remove the valve cap, install the pump head and pump until the desired pressure is reached. Release air: Insert the pin into the middle. Assembly: Insert the valve through the rim hole and secure it with a nut if necessary. Ideal for mountain and touring bikes, as it can also be used at gas stations.
French valve (SV), Presta valve or Sclaverand valve.
The SV is slimmer and lighter than the autocycle valve and is used primarily on racing bicycles. It fits on narrow rims and can withstand high pressure.
For inflation: Remove the valve cap, unscrew the nut on the valve stem, install the pump head, pump, re-tighten the nut, and install the cap. Assembly: Insert the valve through the rim hole and secure it with the nut. Ideal for road bikes and gravel bikes, thanks to precise pressure control.
Flash valve (DV), Dunlop valve
Older city valve (special head required).
The DV is widely used in Europe and easy to maintain. To inflate: remove the valve cap, attach the pump and pump. To deflate: unscrew the nut on the valve insert. Assembly: unscrew the nut, insert the valve through the rim hole, insert the valve core. Robust and ideal for everyday use.
How do you read the ETRTO indication?
A typical example: 40-622
40 = Tire width in millimeters
622 = Rim diameter in millimeters
This means: This tire is 40 mm wide and fits on a rim with a diameter of 622 mm (approximately 28 inches).
Step 2: Check the tire cord.
Check the tire cord before changing the tire. Cracks or misalignments can expose the spoke holes and damage the tire – replace it if necessary.
Step 3: Change the front wheel.
| 1. Remove the wheel Open the brake, release the quick-release nut, turn the axle counter-clockwise, and remove the front wheel. |
| 2. Air out & remove tires Open the valve, let the air escape completely. Attach the tire lifter opposite the valve and lift the tire from the rim. |
| 3. Remove the hose Carefully pull out the hose and check the rim and the inner side of the casing for foreign objects. |
| 4. Insert the new hose Lightly prime the hose, paying attention to the direction of flow. Insert the valve straight into the rim opening and press the sleeve back on by hand. |
| 5. Inflation and control Inflate tires evenly, check seat (tire line must be uniformly even throughout), align valve perpendicular |
| 6. Install the wheel Tighten the axle, close the brake |
Fix the problems.
| Problem | Why? | Fixing |
| The tire is shaking | Mantel sits unevenly | Lower pressure to ~1 bar, tighten the jacket all around, check the control line |
| Brake is wearing on the tire | The wheel is not positioned correctly / The saddle is minimally crooked | Reinstall and fix the wheel; with a disc: loosen the seat, pull the lever, tighten the seat |
| Knocking when inflating | The hose is stuck | Lower the pressure, release the sleeve at the point, fit the hose tightly, slowly inflate |
Step 4: Change the rear wheel.
The procedure for the rear wheel is almost identical – however, it involves the chain and the shifting mechanism.
| Preparation Switch to the smallest gear, set the shift lever to „OFF“, and open the brake |
| Replacing the hose Unscrew the air hose, remove the cover and replace the tube as with the front wheel. |
| Installation: Place the chain on the smallest sprocket, pull the shifter slightly backward, tighten the axle, and check the seat of the wheel and the brake |
Fix the problems.
| Problem | Why? | Fixing |
| The chain is located next to the pinion | Chain slips during insertion | Remove the wheel, place the chain on the smallest sprocket, and reinstall it. |
| The tire is shaking | Mantel sits unevenly | Lower pressure to ~1 bar, tighten the jacket all around, check the control line |
| Brake is wearing on the tire | The wheel is not positioned correctly / The saddle is minimally crooked | Reinstall and fix the wheel; with a disc: loosen the seat, pull the lever, tighten the seat |
| Knocking when inflating | Tube pinched | Lower pressure, open the sleeve at the point, place the hose clean, slowly inflate |
