Imagine this: you’ve just got a new tyre to put on your bike wheel, but no matter how much effort you put in, it just won’t fit. This is a situation many cyclists, even experienced ones, have faced.
In this article, we’ll walk through the correct technique for changing a bike tyre, covering both how to install and remove it. We’ll also explain why certain tyres can be harder to fit onto wheels. Additionally, we’ll recommend some useful tools to help you deal with especially tight tyre and rim combinations.
While mounting a tyre on a wheel is something most riders can usually handle, even experienced cyclists can run into situations where getting the final part of the tyre bead over the rim feels like it requires superhuman strength and incredibly tough thumbs. This issue has become more common with the rise of tubeless tyres and rims in road, gravel, and mountain biking. Tubeless-ready tyres are built with stiffer beads and tighter tolerances compared to traditional clincher tyres, making them harder to install.
To avoid unnecessary frustration, sore thumbs, or even potential damage to your bike’s components, mastering the proper technique for installing or changing tight tyres is essential. Thankfully, there are several helpful tools available to make mounting tough tyres easier (though some tools should be avoided).
Before diving in, feel free to use the links below to go directly to the section you’re most interested in.
- How to repair a punctured tubeless tyre
- Gravel bike tyre pressure explained
- How to set up a tubeless tyre
Table of Contents
How to change a bike tyre
Perfecting your tyre-mounting technique is key to making sure your tyres go on with minimal hassle. With tubeless-ready tyre and wheel systems becoming more common across all types of bikes, mastering the proper method is more important than ever.
1. Start by making sure your tyre is fully unfolded
If your tyre isn’t brand new, now is the perfect time to inspect its condition along with the rim. Replacing a worn tyre or damaged rim tape is essential for ensuring safe performance and preventing future punctures.
If you’re changing the tyre after fixing a puncture, make sure to find and remove the object that caused the puncture before patching or replacing the tube and reinstalling the tyre.
For brand-new tyres, “massaging” them into a round shape will make it easier to fit the first bead onto the rim during installation.
2. With the tyre properly shaped, install one bead of the tyre onto the rim
If your tyre has directional tread, make sure to install it in the correct orientation for optimal performance. You’ll usually find the direction indicated on the sidewalls of the tyre.
You should be able to get the first bead onto the rim without tools, using your palms to lift the tyre over the rim edge. In rare cases, you can use a tyre lever if needed.
Positioning the tyre’s name label directly above the valve not only looks neat but also makes key information, like tyre size and recommended inflation pressures, easy to see when inflating. This placement also helps when locating a puncture, allowing you to match the position on the tube with the tyre.
3. Install the inner tube or tubeless valve
If you’re using an inner tube, inflate it slightly before installation. This will help prevent the tube from getting pinched by the tyre bead during the mounting process.
Be careful not to add too much air, as this could make the tube take up too much space inside the tyre, preventing the beads from sitting properly in the deepest part of the rim channel. Just enough air to give the tube its shape is sufficient.
Pro tip: If you’re using latex inner tubes, apply a light dusting of talcum powder. This prevents the tube from sticking to the tyre or rim walls and helps avoid pinching during installation.
4. Begin installing the other tyre bead onto the rim
Begin installing the tyre bead on the rim opposite the valve, and work your way around both sides, leaving the final section of unmounted tyre centered around the valve.
As you go, make sure both beads of the tyre drop into the central channel of the rim. This will give you the necessary slack for an easier installation.
For tubeless setups, sometimes the bead may sit on the rim shelf instead of falling into the central channel, reducing slack. If this happens, simply use your thumbs to push the bead into the channel, which will make the rest of the installation easier.
5. Install the final part of the tyre bead onto the rim
This stage is often where challenges arise. As you reach the last part of the tyre bead, use your palms to lift the tyre and roll both sides of the bead over the rim edge gradually.
Although it might be tempting to push the bead over the rim edge with your thumbs, doing so on a tight fit can lead to sore thumbs. If you’re dealing with very thin or wide tyres that make it hard to grip them with your palms, you might have to use your thumbs. In such cases, wearing protective gloves can be beneficial.
If you’re having trouble, double-check that both tyre beads have fallen into the rim’s central channel. This step is crucial for making the final part of the installation smoother.
Whenever possible, try to install the last bead by hand to avoid damaging the rim, inner tube, or rim tape with tools. However, if you can’t get it on manually, carefully using tyre levers can help you pull the tight bead onto the rim. We’ll discuss that in more detail soon.
6. Check the tyre is correctly installed, then inflate
Check around the rim to ensure the inner tube, if you’re using one, isn’t pinched or squished beneath the tyre bead. If it is, gently lift the tyre in that spot to free the tube so it can settle back into the middle of the tyre.
For tubeless setups, confirm that the tyre beads are positioned on either side of the valve. Don’t forget to attach the valve stem retaining nut on the opposite side of the valve.
Once you’ve verified that both tyre beads are securely installed all the way around the wheel, you can proceed to inflate the tyre. If you need help finding the right tyre pressure for your road bike, mountain bike, or gravel bike, we’ve got guides for that.
How to remove a bike tyre
Removing a bike tyre can be just as challenging as putting one on. Using the right technique is essential to simplify the process. While it’s possible to take off a tyre without any tools, having a pair of good tyre levers can significantly ease the task and make it more manageable.
1. Deflate the inner tube
When you’re removing a tyre due to a puncture, your inner tube will likely be deflated, but it’s often necessary to fully deflate it to make removal easier. Start by unscrewing the valve head and pressing down to release any leftover air. If your setup includes a retaining nut that secures the valve against the rim, make sure to remove that as well—though keep in mind that not all riders use this component.
To aid in tyre removal, it helps to push both beads of the tyre into the rim’s central channel. This creates maximum slack, making it easier to detach the tyre from the wheel.
2. Removing a tyre without tyre levers
Removing a supple clincher tyre is often straightforward and can be done without tyre levers. Here’s a simple approach:
- Positioning: Start by gripping a section of the tyre opposite the valve stem with both hands.
- Lifting: Firmly lift that section up and over the rim edge. Once you’ve managed to get a small part of the tyre bead over the rim, the rest should come off easily.
This technique is particularly handy if you find yourself on a ride without tyre levers, as it minimizes the risk of damaging your rims, rim tape, or inner tubes.
However, if you’re dealing with stiffer tyres, like those found on some road or mountain bikes, especially those with rigid tubeless-ready beads, you’ll likely need to use tyre levers for a successful removal.
3. Removing a tyre using tyre levers
When removing a tight tyre, using the right technique can make the process smoother. Start by inserting the scooped edge of a tyre lever beneath the tyre bead and gently pry it over the rim edge. Once you have a small section of the bead off the rim, hold the tyre lever firmly and push it forward around the rim to continue removing the tyre.
If the tyre is too tight to remove with just one lever, don’t force it. Instead, place a second tyre lever a few centimeters away from the first. This allows you to lift a larger section of the tyre bead off the rim, giving you the slack needed to slide off the rest with the levers.
Leaning on top of the wheel while working helps stabilize it, preventing it from rolling away as you push the levers. Once you have one side of the bead fully off the rim, you can easily pull the entire tyre away from the wheel. This method minimizes the risk of damaging the rim, rim tape, or inner tube, making it a smart approach for both experienced cyclists and those caught without tyre levers on a ride.
Tips for installing tight bike tyres
To install tough tyres effectively, remember that practice is essential. The more you practice the right techniques, the easier it will be to handle tyre installations, especially in challenging situations like fixing a puncture outdoors with cold hands.
Sometimes, you may need to use specialized tools, like tyre levers or bead seating tools, and that’s perfectly fine. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about using tools; the key is to set up your bike safely and efficiently, whether at home or on the roadside. Ultimately, what matters most is your ability to manage tyre installations and repairs without unnecessary stress.
Gloves
Wearing sturdy workshop gloves can significantly reduce hand strain and friction during tyre installation or removal. These gloves also enhance your grip on the tyre, making it easier to handle, especially in hot weather or if your hands tend to sweat. This simple addition can improve your efficiency and comfort while working on your bike.
Tyre levers
Tyre levers are essential tools for cyclists, especially when dealing with tight tyre beads. Every cyclist should have a set on hand, typically stored in a saddlebag. They not only help when mounting the last section of a stubborn tyre but are also invaluable during tyre removal.
To use a tyre lever effectively, hold the opposite side of the tyre against the rim and lift a small section of the bead onto the rim with one lever. Repeat this process gradually until the entire bead is seated. Avoid trying to lift the entire bead at once from the middle, as this can break the lever and lead to frustration.
When using tyre levers, be cautious not to damage the rim tape, particularly if the levers have seen significant wear and may have sharp edges. The best tyre levers are made from durable plastic and have a thin, strong tip, like those from brands such as Pedro’s. It’s best to steer clear of metal levers, especially with carbon rims, as they can cause damage.
There are also newer versions of tyre levers, like the Tyre Glider and Crankbrothers Speedier Lever, designed to make the installation process smoother by allowing continuous bead installation as you push it around the rim. These modern levers also have a traditional scoop for tyre removal and are compact enough to fit in a saddlebag or jersey pocket.
Tyre bead-seating tools
Specialty tools like Kool Stop’s Tyre Jack can be a game-changer when dealing with tight tyres. These tools are designed to make the installation process smoother. The rigid part rests on the rim while the hinged section hooks over the tyre bead, allowing you to pull it over the rim edge effortlessly.
From experience, these tools excel at getting stubborn tyres onto rims with minimal hassle. However, they can be too bulky to fit in a saddle bag or jersey pocket for roadside repairs. That said, they’re lightweight enough to carry in bikepacking bags or a cycling backpack.
So, if you’re planning an adventure or a long mountain biking trip, bringing a bead-seating tool could be a smart move, especially if you anticipate difficulty reinstalling your tyres after a puncture.
Soapy water
When installing tubeless tyres, using a bit of soapy water can make it easier for the tyre bead to slide over the rim edge. This lubrication helps the bead fit properly. Alternatively, applying some sealant on the outside of the tyre can also work well.
However, avoid this technique when working with inner tubes. A wet tube can stick to the inside of the tyre, increasing the risk of a puncture.
Warm water
After warming up, the rubber and structure of the tyre will become more pliable. This makes it easier to shape the tyre and fit the first bead onto the rim.
Tubeless tyre plugs
Installing tubeless tyres can be trickier than using traditional clinchers. To make life easier during a puncture repair, consider using tyre plugs, which allow you to fix the issue without removing the tyre bead from the rim.
Highly regarded options include Stan’s NoTubes DART repair kit and Muc-Off’s Stealth Tubeless Puncture Plug set. While it’s wise to carry a spare inner tube as a backup, tyre plugs are often the preferred first choice for fixing flats among cycling enthusiasts.
What else can make the problem worse?
Too much rim tape
When putting on rim tape, whether it’s for tubeless systems or standard ones, it’s crucial not to use excessive layers or thicker tape than necessary. Using too much tape effectively enlarges the diameter of the wheel, which reduces the slack in the tyre bead. This can make it harder to install the tyre properly.
Tubeless tyre liners
Tubeless tyre liners, like the CushCore and Vittoria’s Air-Liner kits, provide excellent rim and puncture protection while allowing you to run lower pressures in tubeless-ready tyres. However, these liners occupy a lot of space inside the tyre, which can prevent the tyre beads from settling into the rim’s central channel during installation.
This lack of slack makes it more challenging to install or remove the tyre. To address this, Vittoria includes special tyre bead pliers and retaining tabs with its Air-Liner road kit, which you will likely need for easier installation.
Using inner tubes with tubeless-ready tyres
When using tubeless-ready tyres, it’s important to note that inner tubes can act like tyre liners during installation. However, they take up space inside the tyre, which can prevent the tyre beads from dropping into the rim’s deepest channel.
This issue becomes more pronounced with narrow road bike tyres (under 25mm) on narrower rims (less than 19mm internal width). The limited space makes it harder for both the tyre beads and the inner tube to fit comfortably in the rim’s central channel. Even a partially inflated tube can push against the tyre walls, complicating installation.
To avoid pinching the tube when installing, it’s advisable to inflate it slightly. However, fully deflating the tube might be necessary to create enough slack for the tyre beads to fit properly.
Through my blog, I aim to share insights on the dedication, care, and attention cycling demands, whether you’re tackling a mountain pass, speeding along a smooth road, or refining your bike’s setup. My mission is to provide well-researched, practical guidance that makes cycling more enjoyable, safer, and accessible for everyone with a passion for two wheels.
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