Key idea
The bead (the stiff hoop in each edge of the tyre) must be pushed into the centre of the rim, all the way round. The centre is a deeper channel — the centre well — so dropping the bead into it releases the tension and gives you the slack to lift the tyre over the rim edge.
The bead is a fixed-length hoop. On the shelves it follows a large circle; dropped into the centre well it follows a smaller one — and the leftover length is your slack. So push the bead into the centre all the way around, opposite where you're lifting.
What you need
- 2–3 plastic tyre levers
- A spare inner tube (size is on the tyre sidewall)
- A pump (know your valve: Presta or Schrader)
- Optional: puncture repair kit, gloves
Removing the tyre
- Remove the wheel Open the brake if needed, undo the quick-release or thru-axle. For a rear wheel, shift to the smallest cog first.
- Let all the air out Presta: unscrew the tip and press it. Schrader: press the pin in the centre.
- Push the bead into the centre — the key step Pinch both sides of the tyre and push the beads off their shelves into the centre well, all the way round. You'll feel it loosen.
- Lever one bead over the edge Opposite the valve, hook a lever under the bead and fold it over; hook a second a hand-width away. With the slack, it pops over easily.
- Pull out the tube Push the valve up through the rim and pull the tube out. Only one side of the tyre needs to come off.
- Find what caused the puncture Feel carefully around the inside of the tyre for thorns or glass, and check the rim tape. Skip this and the new tube often punctures again.
Fitting the tyre
- Lightly inflate the new tube Just enough to give it shape so it doesn't twist or pinch.
- Fit the tube Valve through the rim hole first, then tuck the tube into the tyre all the way round.
- Roll the second bead on — keeping it in the well Start at the valve and work both hands around, pushing the bead over the edge and down into the centre well. Finish with thumbs; avoid levers to protect the tube.
- Check the tube isn't trapped Push the valve up and pinch along both sides, checking no tube is caught between bead and rim.
- Inflate in two stages Pump to half pressure, spin and check the tyre sits evenly, then inflate to the pressure printed on the sidewall.
- Refit the wheel and test Seat the wheel, tighten the axle, re-close the brake, and squeeze the brakes before riding.
Warnings
- Never use screwdrivers or metal levers — they puncture tubes and damage rims.
- Never inflate past the maximum printed on the sidewall.
- A badly seated bead can blow off loudly — always do the half-pressure check.