How to Replace a Bike Inner Tube | Halfords UK, by Halfords on YouTube. 2 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check the size printed on the inside of the tyre wall and buy a matching inner tube. Remove the valve cap from the wheel.
Push the hooked end of a tyre lever into the valve and press down to let out any remaining air. This makes the tyre easier to lift off the rim.
Rotate the wheel a little and slide a second lever under the tyre bead. Lift the bead up and over the rim, working all the way around. Repeat on the other side and pull the old tube out.
Run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tyre to find what caused the puncture. Pull out thorns or glass with pliers so the new tube does not get pierced.
Put a little air in the new tube so it holds its shape. This helps it sit inside the tyre without twisting.
Fit the tyre so the arrow on the sidewall points in the direction of travel. Push the valve straight down through the valve hole in the rim.
Work the tyre bead onto the rim on both sides of the wheel. Use a tyre lever to ease the last tight section over the rim.
Hold the derailleur to take up the slack, line the chain onto the cassette and slide the wheel back into the frame. Tighten the skewer and close the lever.
Inflate the tube to the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall. Check the tyre sits evenly on the rim all the way around before you ride.
Tips and common mistakes
Check the inside of the tyre every time, or the sharp object that caused the flat will puncture the new tube too.
Make sure the valve sits straight through the hole and the tube is not pinched between the tyre and rim.
Inflate in small bursts and look at the bead line around the rim to confirm the tyre is seated evenly.
Questions
How do I know which inner tube size to buy?
Look at the numbers on the inside of the tyre wall, such as the width and diameter. Match those to the range printed on the inner tube box.
Do I need to take the wheel off the bike?
It is much easier to work with the wheel off the frame. For a rear wheel, hold the derailleur and lift the chain off the cassette as you slide the wheel out.
Can I reuse the old inner tube?
Only if you patch it properly and it holds air. Otherwise keep it as a spare or recycle it and fit the new tube.
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.
