It usually sound harder than it is when it comes to changing the inner tube. You can do it at home even without any special tools. Of Course right tools will get the job done faster and without a hassle. Just remember to buy right size inner tube that will fit to your rim and tyre. Easiest way to accomplish this it to check the size markings from the old tyre.
Tools Needed For Changing The Inner Tube
Wrench and some kind of thin tool that can fit between the rim and tyre. The tool is used to twist the tyre out from the rim. It is important that the object does not have any sharp edges that could damage the tyre or inner tube. The right tool for this job can be found from every bike shop and it does not cost much. Might be a good idea to buy one at the same time when ordering the new tube
Steps For Changing The Inner Tube
Remove the tyre from the frame
To get the wheel removed you will need a wrench to loosen the bolts from each side of the wheel connecting it to the frame. Some bikes (especially road bikes) have a quick release handles that allow you to remove the wheel without any tools. Bolts can be stuck if they have been in place for a long time. In that case you should spray some CRC or other lubricant that will help loosening the bolts. Just remember to wait for a while and let the spray do its magic.
It is a little trickier to remove the rear wheel because of the chains and gears. The chains should be removed first to get the wheel out. If you have a lot of gears you might have a rear derailleur that can be pushed downwards to loosen the chains.
Remove the tyre from the rim
This is a little harder step but it can be done more easily when you empty the inner tube first. Sides of the tyre are quite stiff so you really need to twist the edge out of the rim. It won’t come out without any tools so use the thin object you have found or the tyre lever. A flat-head screwdriver would sound like a great tool for that but it has sharp edges so be careful if using it.
It gets easier when you have gotten a part of the tyre out of the rim. After that you can just hold the tool between the tyre and the rim and roll the tyre out all the way from one side. The other side comes out without a trouble after one side is out already. Remember that the inner tube is connected to rim with the valve. Push the valve out from the rim and pull the inner tube out.
Some valves have a tightening ring that holds the valve in place so it won’t go through the hole before removing it. Also the cap should be removed from the valve to ensure the inner tube comes out smoothly.
Replacing The Inner Tube
Inserting the new inner tube might be the hardest part of this operation. The problem appears when you try to get the tyre back inside the rim. One good way to do this is to pump some air to the inner tube (not too much though) before putting it inside the tyre. Then place one side of the tyre inside the rim’s edge completely. After this the inner tube can be fitted inside. Ensure that the inner tube fits there properly and it does not twist inside the tyre. The valve should be inserted first to the right spot of the rim and the rest goes smoothly in after that.
Now that you have one side of the tyre and inner tube inside you should get the second side in. This can be done by putting one part in first and going around the rim and keeping the side in as you go. The final 30cm is the hardest part because of the stiffness of the tyres inner ring. If you have a friend to help you it goes easier if one holds the parts that are already in and the other one twists the rest of the tyre in.
Pump It
Now that the tyre is inside the rim it is time to inflate the tyre. During the inflation you should check that the inner tube is settling in properly by pressing the tyre by hand and feeling out that it doesn’t have any spots that feel wrong.
Put The Wheel Back In Its Place
Tighten the bolts and start riding. If you did change the rear tyre you have to get the chains back in during the installation.
