Change a bicycle inner tube // MTB flat repair // Top to bottom, by Top To Bottom MTB on YouTube. 5 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Gather your tools: a spare tube that matches your wheel size, two or three tyre levers, and a pump with a gauge. Clear a clean, flat work area.
Open the quick release lever or loosen the axle bolts, then lift the wheel out of the frame or fork. Set the bike down so it cannot fall over.
Let all the air out of the tyre. Push the tyre bead away from the rim all the way around, then hook a tyre lever under the bead and clip it to a spoke.
Use a second lever to work around the rim and free one side of the tyre. Pull the old tube out, keeping the tyre on the rim.
Run your fingers or a cloth around the inside of the tyre and rim to find the cause of the flat. Remove any thorn, glass or sharp object, or you will puncture the new tube.
Put a little air in the new tube so it holds its shape. Fit the valve through the rim hole, then tuck the tube inside the tyre all the way around.
Push the tyre bead back onto the rim by hand, working from the valve side. Use a lever only for the last few centimetres, and check the tube is not pinched.
Inflate the tube slowly and check the bead sits evenly on both sides of the rim. Pump to the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall for your riding style.
Set the wheel back into the frame or fork, line up the axle, and close the quick release or tighten the bolts evenly. Spin the wheel to check it runs straight.
Tips and common mistakes
Check the inside of the tyre carefully before fitting the new tube, since most repeat flats come from something still stuck in the tyre.
Add a little air to the new tube before fitting so it holds shape and is less likely to twist or get pinched.
Run lower pressure for grip on rough trails and higher pressure for smooth, fast ground, but stay within the range on the sidewall.
Make sure the quick release lever is fully closed and firm before you ride, and never ride with a loose wheel.
Questions
How do I know which inner tube size to buy?
Match the tube to the tyre size printed on the sidewall, such as 29 x 2.25. Most tubes cover a range of widths, so pick one that includes your tyre width and the correct valve type.
Do I need tyre levers to change a tube?
On most mountain bike tyres you can fit the tyre by hand, but levers make removal much easier. Use plastic levers so you do not damage the rim or pinch the new tube.
What tyre pressure should I run?
Start with the range printed on the tyre sidewall. Many riders use around 25 to 30 psi for trail riding, then adjust up or down based on weight, terrain and how the bike feels.
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.
