Follow these directions, and whether you pop a tire in the middle of Ankeny or the outskirts of Tollgate, you’ll be ready to ride in no time.

Step 1: Remove the bicycle wheel from the frame. Some bikes have a quick release that releases the wheel; others require a wrench to loosen the nuts on either side of the axle.

Step 2: If the tire is not entirely flat already, release the air from the tire.

Step 3: Using two tire levers, slide them under the edge of the tire about 6 inches apart with the “spoon” side up.  Push them both down simultaneously, causing the tire to pop off the rim.  Use one lever to slide the remaining edge of the tire out of the rim. 

Step 3.5:  Pull out the inner tube.  If the inner tube needs to be patched rather than switched completely, follow the patching steps on a tube patching kit. If the inner tube needs to be swapped for a new one, first check your tire to make sure that the kind of tube purchased matches the kind required for your bike (size is radius X width, ex. 700 X 28). Also check the tire for what caused the flat.  Run your finger on the inside of the tire to feel for any thorns.  Pull them out.

Step 4: Inflate the new tube a little bit. Slide the tube into the tire. Make sure the tube is not twisted when sliding in or it will pop when the tire is pumped up.

Step 5: Find the hole in the rim for the inflation valve, which is the piece of metal attached to the rubber tube into which air is pumped. Pull the valve through the hole in the rim and pull the tire over the wheel, starting over the valve.  Work the tire into the rim in either direction from the valve.  You should have the remaining bit of tire to go into the rim on the opposite side of the valve.   

Step 6: Wedge both tools under the tire edge, one on either side of the gap remaining to be inserted, with the “spoon” side down.  Push the levers up, shoving the tire into the rim.

Step 7: Push the rubber lip of the tire back into the wheel frame. Make sure the tube is not pinched between the edge of the tire and the rim.

Step 8: Repeat this on the other side of the tire. When the tire is almost on the rim, it will be taut and will require a last hard push to get it in the rim of the wheel.

Step 9: Re-inflate the tire until it reaches its recommended pressure as printed on the side of the tire.

Inner tubes can be purchased at the O.P. in Reid for $2.50. Problem tires and bikes can be brought to the bike shop behind North Hall from Mon. 7-9 p.m. or Thurs. 1-3:30 p.m.
compiled by Shannon Buckham