Change Tubes:

A simple, step-by-step, guide for changing a flat tube.

(We will focus on just replacing your punctured tube with a new one. Additionally, this section applies to both home repair and on the road. We will discuss patching a punctured tube in another section of "Tech Tips.")

-Extra tubes. Bring at least two.

-Patch kit with sealed glue tube. (Glueless patch kits are okay but not always as reliable).

-Set of tire irons/levers. Usually 3 levers to a set. Plastic or metal? It doesn't matter, but each has it's benefits and weaknesses: Plastic levers can break over time, but are much safer on tubes and rims, whereas metal levers can bend or scratch rims surfaces and possibly poke new tubes causing new flats. There is also a single tire lever called a "Qwik Stik" which works really well for removing/remounting your tires.

-Pump. Frame or mini pump, they both work fine, but make sure you get a decent quality one that can accommodate both presta and schrader valves. Also get a pump strap to keep your pump attached to your bike while you're riding.

-Seat Bag. Get a decent sized seat bag to accommodate all this equipment and then some. Aside from the tools and spare parts mentioned here, your bag should be large enough to accommodate additional tools and parts that you may need for other repairs (more on that in other Tech Tips sections). Make sure that the bag you purchase has a "three point" mounting system…..two Velcro straps for the seat and one Velcro strap for the seat post.

-In order to change tubes, you must first remove the wheel with the flat from your bicycle. This is accomplished by undoing the quick release lever or loosening the bolts using the appropriate sized wrench attaching the wheel to the frame/fork dropouts. (See more on "Tech Tips" page for wheel removal).

-Once the wheel is removed, you are now ready to change tubes. Take your tire levers and pry one area of your tire off the rim. Attach the other end of the tire lever to the closest spoke on your wheel. Take a second tire lever and pry the tire off on the same side but about 12 inches or so away from the other tire lever.

-Once the second part is off away from the rim, push the second tire lever toward the first tire lever until that entire section of tire is removed from the rim. Your first tire lever may fall off, but that's okay. Continue pushing along the length of the tire until the entire tire is dismounted from the rim.

-Remove your valve cap and if your tube is a presta valve, remove the valve stem nut and place these items off to the side. You can now remove the old tube from the wheel.

-If you have extra tubes with you, take one of your extra tubes and inflate it just a little (just enough to see the tube rise all around), then release the air from the tube. This helps the tube to "loosen up" and allows for a more even distribution of the tube when inserting into your tire. In turn, this will also minimize the possibility of "pinch flats" (more on this on and other flat repairs in other pages of "Tech Tips").

-But before you place your new tube inside the tire, check your tires to make sure that there are no thorns, nails or other items that may cause your new tube to be punctured. Visually check the outside and inside of the tire and run your fingers through the surfaces of the tire to make sure nothing is stuck on the tire. If you feel any irregularities or any sharp objects, check them and remove any foreign items from the tire.

-Prior to installing your replacement tube back into the tire, sprinkle some "tire talc" or even talc powder on to the tube. This allows the tube to "twist and turn" inside the tire and helps facilitate ease of installation .

-Once you have determined that there is nothing in the tire, you are now ready to "Change tubes." Insert your new or repaired tube into the tire. This is done by first inserting the valve stem into the valve hole of your bike rim. Pull the valve stem through the valve hole, until it stops. Then push the valve stem up slightly until the upper part of the tube seats properly into the tire.

-Work the rest of the inner tube all the way around the tire, making sure that the tube is inside the tire evenly, all around. Make sure that none of the tube is sticking out or it may get caught between the rim and tire bead which can lead to a pinch flat.

-Once you have determined that the inner tube is completely in, it is time to remount the open part of the tire. Take a tire lever and place it against the rim sidewall. Lift up and guide the tire bead into the lip of the rim.

-Keep your tire lever in this position and hold your tire in place using your thumb. With the tire lever still up, slide the tire lever slowly along the length of the wheel, slowly guiding the tire back into the rim, until you reach your thumb. Be careful that you don't snag your new tube or get the tube caught between the tire bead and the rim lip as this will cause damage to your new tube. This process is a little more difficult to do especially if your tires are stiff or are of more expensive quality, since these tires are designed to hold on to the wheels securely for better handling and grip.

-Once you have inserted the tire back into the rim, check the entire length of the tire to make sure that it is on the rim securely and that the inner tube is not caught between the tire and rim as mentioned previously. If you have a presta valve stem, screw on the stem valve nut to the stem valve to hold it in place.

-Attach your pump to the valve stem and inflate your tire to about half the recommended pressure. Remove your pump.

-Take your wheel and LIGHTLY bounce the tire on the pavement like a ball, while rotating the length of the tire. This will ensure that your tube and tire are seated properly on the rim.

-Reattach your pump and inflate your tire to its recommended pressure. Remove your pump, tighten the valve stem nut and valve stem (presta valves only) and reinstall the valve cap. Voila! Done! You can now reinstall your wheel back on your bike, pack up your stuff and get on your way. When you change tubes, make sure you pack up your old tube....don't litter. Besides, depending on how bad the puncture is on your old tube, you may be able to patch it up for reuse.

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