How to Replace & Center MTB Tires

When biking the trails, thorns and other sharp objects inevitably puncture even the toughest of mountain bike tires. Over time, treads wear down creating more and more flats. Large tears or rips require immediate tire replacement. Whether you need help after replacing a tube or you need to replace or upgrade your MTB tire, here's how.

Wheel Removal

• 1

  Disengage the V-brake by pulling the cable back at the brake and lifting it up and out of the guide on the top of the brake.

• 2

  Pull up the lever for the wheel quick release and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it from the frame. If removing the rear wheel, push the rear derailleur up toward the seat and remove the chain from the chain rings.

• 3

  Slide the wheel down and out of the dropouts on the frame.

Tire Removal

• 1

  Remove the rubber cap off the tube and release as much as air as possible. If your bike has the smaller Presta valve, you will need to unscrew the small top nut by a single turn or two at the most. Do not completely remove this nut. Press on the tire to help expel air.

• 2

  Clamp the wheel between your knees. Twist the tire sideways off the rim to remove it. With a deflated tube, this process goes quickly. If you have a hard time, release more air from the tube. Continue to twist the tire until completely off the rim.

• 3

  Check to make sure the rim tape that covers the spoke ends has remained in place. If not, relocate as necessary. Use small drops of white glue if necessary to tack the tape in place.

Re-Seat Tire

• 1

  Place the tube inside the new tire. Carefully spread the tube equally without kinking or bunching it in any one spot.

• 2

  Line up the tube valve with the opening on the rim. Insert the valve through the rim.

• 3

  Pull one edge of the tire up onto the rim. Check the tube and adjust to avoid kinking. Inflate the tube with a small amount of air. This helps seat the tube in place on the rim.

• 4

  Clamp the wheel between your knees for leverage. Twist the tire back onto the rim. Use one hand to hold and one hand to manipulate the tire. If the tube twists off the other side, add more air to the tube. If too difficult to twist on, try letting a bit of air out of the tube.

• 5

  Spin the wheel between your legs a quarter turn or less at a time. Adjust the position of the tire, moving it to the center of the rim. Inflate the tube to half the recommended pressure. Spin the wheel again and continue to adjust the position of the tire if needed. Fully inflate the tube and replace the wheel back on the frame. Tighten the quick release. Slide the brake cable back in place. Replace the chain if necessary.