With a few simple tools, replacing a flat or broken mountain bike tire is something even a novice handyman can do.
Specialty bicycle shops want you to bring your cycle in to them so they can charge you for changing a tire, but you don't need to spend your hard-earned money paying someone else to change your tire. In most cases, only the inner tube needs changing, and a spare tube can even be brought along on a trail ride in a backpack or a fanny pack. Follow these simple steps and see how easy it is to do it yourself!
1. Very important: locate the correct size of the tire printed on the side of the flat tire, and purchase a new tire and/or inner tube at your local bike shop or discount store.
2. Remove the wheel from the bicycle, using the release lever on the axle. If the bicycle doesn't have a release lever, there should be two axle nuts holding it in place that can be loosened with a wrench.
3. If you're only changing the inner tube, skip now to #4. To change the entire tire, take the tire completely off the wheel. Use a tire tool/lever to pry it loose by slipping the tool between the rubber and the rim. (Often, a set of tire tools will be included in the purchase of a bike - if not, ask your local bicycle shop and they'll provide you with one). Don't use a screwdriver or any other tool that might damage the rim. It should pop off rather easily. If not, sometimes it helps to use a second tire tool to pry it from the other side as well.
4. If all you're looking to do is replace the inner tube, only pry one side of the tire from the rim so that it's half-on/half-off. (If you're changing the whole tire, take it completely off.) Pull the tube out and slip the new one in, smoothing it around inside the tire with your hand, making sure it is completely snug and seeing that valve holes are lined up. Again, if you're only replacing the tube, then skip to #6.
5. With a new tire, slip one side of the tire onto the rim and smooth it all the way around the rim with your hand to make sure it is snug. Then put the inner tube into the new tire and line up the valve holes.
6. Slip the other edge of the tire onto the rim, and as you do, make sure the tube is fully inside the tire. This is a simple, but sometimes slow process. You don't want to rush and pinch or bend the tube in any way.
7. Fully inflate the tire to its proper capacity (printed on the side of the tire). Sometimes the tube can pop out a bit or buckle as you inflate, so check all around the rim to make sure everything is smooth and in place.
8. Re-attach the wheel to the bike the same way you took it off, and make sure all levers and bolts are snug. Soon you'll be on your way with the satisfaction of a job well done!
