No matter what kind of bike you ride, it’s a good idea to know how to do basic maintenance and repair. One of the best skills to learn early is how to change a tire. While a 3-speed bike uses a different shifting system than most road bikes, you don’t need to worry about that when you change a tire. So, whether your bike is a mountain bike, road bike or 3-speed cruiser, this skill will save you a trip to the repair shop, or maybe even from getting stranded on a lonely road.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench Tire lever New tube Pump
- Adjustable wrench
- Tire lever
- New tube
- Pump
Step 1
Loosen the nuts or the quick release lever that holds the wheel in place on the rear stays of the bike. Pull the wheel down away from the frame, and slip the chain off of the rear cog to remove the wheel.
Step 2
Insert your tire tool between the rim of the wheel and the bead of the tire. Pry down with the tool to pop the tire off of the rim, then work your way around to completely unseat the tire from the rim. Remove the tire and the inner tube from the wheel.
Step 3
Put a new inner tube into your new tire and slide one side of the tire over the rim, being sure to position the valve so that it goes through the hole in the rim. Push the other side of the tire wall over the edge of the rim to seat the tire onto the wheel.
Step 4
Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and check that it isn’t leaking. Replace the tire onto the frame of the bike.
