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Fitting a new tyre or a fresh inner tube is one of the handiest jobs you can learn. It isn't hard, but there's a knack to getting the tyre seated properly, so it runs straight and doesn't bump or wobble. We do this job every day in the workshop, and these are the same steps we use.
Below you'll find what you'll need, ten simple steps, and a few common questions. If you'd rather leave it to us, we're just a call or a WhatsApp away.
Message us on WhatsAppCall 028 9267 9575
What you'll need
- Tyre levers for getting the old tyre off. We'd recommend nylon ones such as the Cyclo Glass Nylon Reinforced Tyre Levers or the Weldtite Tyre Levers 2.0, which also have a built-in tubeless valve tool. The Cyclo Steel Tyre Levers are very strong, but steel can scratch alloy rims. See all our tyre levers.
- The right size tyre. The size is printed on the sidewall of your old tyre, for example 700 x 32c. Browse our road tyres, hybrid tyres, 29er mountain bike tyres or kids' bike tyres.
- A new inner tube to match the tyre size and your valve type (Presta or Schrader). See our inner tubes or 700c tubes.
- A pump, ideally a track pump with a gauge, so you can check you're at about 20 psi in step 8.
- A little soapy water and a brush or cloth, in case the bead needs help to seat.
Buy now: nylon leversBuy now: Weldtite levers
How to fit a bike tyre, step by step
These steps assume the old tyre and tube are already off, and you've checked inside the tyre for anything sharp like glass or a thorn.
- Line up the logo and check the arrow. Sit the tyre so its logo lines up with the valve hole. It looks tidy, and it makes it much easier to find a puncture later. If the sidewall has a direction arrow, make sure it points the way the wheel turns when you ride forwards.
- Fit one bead all the way round. Push one edge of the tyre (the bead) over the rim wall, all the way round the wheel. This side usually goes on by hand with no bother.
- Put a little air in the tube and tuck it in. Give the tube just enough air to hold its round shape. Push the valve through the valve hole, then tuck the tube up inside the tyre all the way round, so it isn't twisted.
- Push the second bead on from the valve. Starting at the valve, push the second bead over the rim with both hands, working them round in opposite directions towards the far side of the wheel.
- Use the centre channel on the tight last bit. The last section is always the tightest. Go round and squeeze the beads you've already fitted down into the deeper channel in the middle of the rim. That gives you the slack to roll the last bit on with your thumbs. Only use a tyre lever as a last resort, and take care not to pinch the tube between the lever and the rim.
- Push the valve up and back down. Push the valve up into the tyre, then pull it back down. This helps make sure the tube isn't trapped under the bead right beside the valve.
- Check no tube is caught under the bead. Go round both sides of the wheel, gently pushing the tyre sideways and looking down between the tyre and the rim. If you can see any tube, ease it back up inside the tyre.
Seating the bead properly
This is the bit people tend to skip, and it's what stops a tyre from wobbling or thumping as you ride.
- Inflate to about 20 psi and check the line. Most tyres have a thin moulded line on the sidewall just above the rim. At around 20 psi, look all the way round on both sides: the line should sit an even distance from the rim everywhere.
- If the line dips, fix it before going further. Let some air out, massage the tyre with your hands so it sits right in the rim, brush a little soapy water on the bead to help it slide into place, and then pump it back up.
- Pump up to the pressure on the sidewall. Once the line is even all round, inflate to the pressure range printed on the tyre's sidewall, then give it one last look.
Tyres and tubes we stock
If you're replacing a worn tyre, here are a few popular ones. Always match the size on your old tyre.
- Continental Ride Tour 700 x 32c: a hard-wearing tyre for hybrids and everyday riding.
- Continental Contact 700 x 35c: a town and city tyre for hybrids.
- Continental Gatorskin 700 x 25c: a tough road tyre for training and commuting.
- 700 x 28-45c Presta inner tube for hybrid bikes.
- 29 x 2.2-2.5 Presta inner tube for 29er mountain bikes.
Shop tyresShop inner tubesShop tyre levers
Frequently asked questions
Do I need tyre levers to fit a tyre?
Often not. Most tyres can be fitted by hand if you use the rim's centre channel for slack. Levers are handy for taking a tyre off, but use one only as a last resort when fitting, because it's easy to pinch the new tube.
Why is my tyre wobbly or bumpy after pumping it up?
Usually the bead hasn't seated evenly. Check the moulded line above the rim on both sides. If it dips anywhere, let some air out, massage the tyre, add a little soapy water and pump it back up.
Which way round does the tyre go?
If there's a direction arrow on the sidewall, it should point the way the wheel turns when you ride forwards. Lining the logo up with the valve hole is a nice finishing touch too.
Plastic or steel tyre levers?
We'd recommend nylon or plastic levers like the Cyclo Glass Nylon Reinforced Tyre Levers. Steel levers are tough, but they can scratch alloy rims.
Can you fit a tyre for me?
Yes. Our workshop at 11-15 Chapel Hill in Lisburn fits tyres and tubes. Give us a call on 028 9267 9575 or send us a WhatsApp for a price.
Rather we fitted it for you?
No problem. Bring your bike or wheel in to us at 11-15 Chapel Hill in Lisburn and our workshop will fit your tyre and tube and seat it properly. Give us a ring or send us a WhatsApp for a price.
John M Hanna Cycles
11-15 Chapel Hill, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 1EP
Phone: 028 9267 9575
www.jmhcycles.co.uk
Message us on WhatsAppCall 028 9267 9575Shop tyres and tubes