HOW TO remove & change an inner tube the right way: Tips from a Professional Bike Mechanic #2, by David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes on YouTube. 18 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Shift the chain onto the smallest cog and open the brake quick release if your bike has one. Loosen the wheel axle nut or quick release and lift the wheel out of the frame.
Let all the air out of the tyre. Push the bead of the tyre away from the rim all the way around on both sides so it sits loose in the rim well.
Slide a tyre lever under the bead and hook it to a spoke. Use a second lever about 10 cm along to lift the bead over the rim, then run the lever around to free one side.
Reach in and pull the inner tube out, starting at the valve. Push the valve through the rim last so you do not tear the tube.
Inflate the old tube a little and listen or feel for the escaping air to find the puncture. Match the hole to the tyre position so you can look for the cause.
Run your fingers around the inside of the tyre and check the tread for glass, thorns or sharp debris. Remove anything stuck and replace the tyre if the casing is cut or worn.
Put a small amount of air in the new tube so it holds shape. Fit the valve through the rim hole, then tuck the tube evenly inside the tyre all the way around.
Starting at the valve, push the first bead of the tyre onto the rim by hand. Work the second bead on with your thumbs, using a lever only for the last stubborn section.
Check that the tube is not trapped under the bead all the way around. Inflate slowly to the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall and refit the wheel.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not use a screwdriver or sharp tool as a tyre lever, it can puncture the new tube.
Fit the valve nut finger tight only, and leave the valve cap on to keep dirt out of the valve.
If the tyre is very stiff, push the bead into the centre well of the rim to gain slack.
Check the tyre pressure before every ride to reduce pinch flats.
Questions
Do I need to replace the inner tube or can I patch it?
A patch works fine for a small single hole if you can find it and the tube is clean and dry. Replace the tube if it has several holes, a tear near the valve or is old and thin.
What size inner tube do I need?
Match the tube to the tyre size printed on the sidewall, such as 700x25c, and to the valve type your rim uses, Presta or Schrader.
Why does my new tube keep going flat?
Something sharp is probably still stuck in the tyre or the tube is pinched under the bead. Find the hole, check the tyre carefully and refit the tube evenly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
