Changing bicycle tires - explained step by step

A flat tire can abruptly end any bike ride. In Germany, when people talk about "changing a bicycle tire," they often mean changing the inner tube , as this is the most common cause of a flat. However, it can also be worthwhile to change the tire itself if the tread is worn down or if cracks or cuts are visible. In this article, we explain step by step how to properly change the inner tube and tire, what tools are needed, and what to look out for to ensure your bicycle tires and inner tubes last a long time.

Von Helena Burgardt | 2 minutes read time

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About the author Helena Burgardt

Coming from the picturesque Black Forest, Helena Burgardt brings her passion for nature and aesthetics to the world of marketing. With an eye for exciting products and a heart for the bicycle industry, she writes about innovations, trends and the future of mobility. Her enthusiasm for the fascinating development of the bicycle world is infectious - and you can feel it in every one of her texts!

Published: December 23, 2025 | Updated: January 5, 2026

Why should you change your bicycle tire?

Bicycle tires are wear parts. Over time, they become porous, worn down, or damaged – whether by broken glass, sharp stones, or jagged edges. A worn tire can lead to a flat tire, impair riding safety, and worsen handling.

Typical signs that a tire should be changed:

Visible cracks or cuts in the rubber
Smooth tread surface, especially for mountain bike or racing bike tires
Frequent air leaks despite an intact hose
Foreign objects in the tire that have damaged the tread

Tools and accessories for changing tires

Before starting, you should have everything ready:

New tire to match rim size
Bicycle inner tube (if the inner tube also needs to be replaced)
bicycle pump
Tire lever (helpful if the tire is very tight)
Optional: Mounting paste or soapy water to facilitate tire installation.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Secure the bicycle

Turn the bicycle upside down or clamp it in a bicycle stand . This makes it easy to remove the wheel and allows for stable work.

2. Remove wheel

Rear wheel: Shift to the smallest gear. Release the brake (note whether it's a V-brake or disc brake). Remove the wheel.
Front wheel: Loosen the quick-release skewer or unscrew the nuts, remove the wheel.

3. Release the air

Open the valve core and completely bleed the tire. For Presta valves, release the small knurled tab; for Schrader valves, push in the metal pins.

4. Remove the tire from the rim

Carefully use tire levers to pry the tire bead over the rim. Only loosen small pieces to avoid damaging the tube and rim.

5. Remove the hose

If the inner tube is also being replaced, carefully pull it out. Check that there are no glass shards or thorns embedded in the rim.

6. Fit new tires

Place the tire on one side of the rim
Inflate the hose slightly to avoid kinks.
Place the inner tube inside the tire
Press the tire fully onto the rim.

7. Position the tire correctly on the rim.

Check if the tire sits round on the rim.
Do not pinch the tire bead between the rim and the tube.
You might want to rotate the tire and check if the valve is seated straight.

8. Inflate the tires

Inflate to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.
Check that the tire is seated evenly and has no bulges.

9. Reattach the wheel

Reinstall the wheel, tighten the quick-release skewer or nuts.
Check if the brake is engaging correctly.
Take a short test drive to make sure everything works.

Tips for a long tire life

Check tire pressure regularly
Avoid sharp objects on driving routes
Regularly check tires for cracks and wear.
For off-road driving, consider using reinforced tires or puncture-resistant inner tubes.

Conclusion

Changing a bicycle tire isn't a complicated task, but it does require care and the right tools. With a little practice, you can quickly fix a flat tire and get back on the road safely. Regularly checking your tires and changing them when necessary significantly extends the lifespan of both your bicycle and tires.