What you’ll need: essential tools to change a road bike tyre
There are a few essential tools that all road cyclists should have so that you can change your own tyres, as well as several non-essential items that will make the process easier.
How to change a road bike tyre: a step-by-step guide
Learn how to change a road bike tyre with our step-by-step guide, plus tips on tools, roadside repairs, and when to replace worn tyres.
Changing a road bike tyre can seem tricky, especially if you're new to it. But with our step-by-step guide, we’ll make the process simple and stress-free. From essential tools to expert tips, you'll be ready to tackle any tyre change—whether at home or on the road.
Changing a road bike tyre can be a challenging task, especially if you’ve never changed a tyre before, or you’ve only ever changed hybrid and mountain bike tyres.
The tyres on your road bike are narrower and often much tighter on the rims than their off-road counterparts, which can make them tricky to remove and replace. But don’t worry! Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the whole process, from removing the wheel all the way to reinstalling it on your bike once you’ve finished.
We’ll also give you some helpful tips and tricks to make road tyre installation as easy as possible.
The essential tools for any home mechanic to have for changing a road bike tyre at home are:
- A set of tyre levers
- A replacement tyre and/or inner tube
- A floor pump. While a hand pump is the best solution for roadside repairs, a floor pump will make home repairs much faster and easier.
- An Allen key in order to remove the thru-axle, though many bikes now will come with a small tool to help with removal.
- A repair stand
- A pair of mechanic’s gloves, to protect your hands from any debris that might be in your tyre. These will be useful when you check your tyre in step 4, especially if you are changing your tyre because of a flat.
The last thing that you may want on hand is:
- A valve core remover.
Our road bikes like the Van Rysel RCR come with Presta valve inner tubes inside as standard.
Ride essentials
If you get a flat by the side of the road, there are a few things that you’ll want to have in your flat repair kit so that you can get rolling again. The essentials are:
- A pair of tyre levers
- A spare tube
- A hand pump or CO2 inflator
- A multi-tool or Allen key if your bike requires one to remove the thru-axle.
Having a tyre boot on hand for larger cuts or slashes will give you peace of mind for emergencies, but isn’t strictly necessary. The same goes for a valve core remover, as mentioned above.
Step-by-step instructions for changing a road bike tyre
Once you’ve gathered all of your tools, and your replacement tyres or tube, you are ready to get started.
The first step to changing a road bike tyre is to remove the wheel from the bike. If you’re changing a flat, you’ll only have to remove the wheel with the flat, but if you’re changing a worn set of tyres you will have to remove both wheels.
Most modern road bikes use thru-axles to secure the wheel in place. These can be easily removed with an Allen key (or a tool that came with your bike). To remove a thru-axle, unthread the axle from the frame and then pull it out the rest of the way. The wheel should then drop out easily.
For bikes with rim brakes, you may have to disconnect the brakes before the wheel will drop out. To avoid losing the thru-axle, thread it back into the frame while you change your tyre.
If your bike has a quick release axle, simply open the lever and loosen both sides of the axles until the wheel drops out of the frame.
For rear wheels, you’ll want to shift into your lowest gear before starting, to make removing and replacing the wheel easier. Once your wheel is loose, use one hand to hold the wheel while the other one presses on the rear derailleur near the lower pulley wheel to give the chain enough slack to get the wheel out.
Step 2: Deflate the tyre
Next, unscrew the valve cap, open your valve and press down to release the air from your tyre. Most road bikes will use Presta valves, which will make this step simple, but if your bike uses a Schrader valve, you can use a key or small Allen key to press down on the valve and release the air.
Even if you are changing a flat tyre, this step can be worthwhile to get that last bit of air out before trying to get the tyre off.
Next, you’ll have to remove the tyre and tube from the rim. First, release the bead from your rims by working your hands around the tyre, squeezing the tyre into the centre of the rim as you go. You should feel the tyre disengage from the rim as you work.
Once the rim is in the centre, start at the valve and insert one tyre lever underneath the bead of the tyre. Bring the bead over the rim and insert your second tyre lever. Work the second tyre lever around the rim until only one side of the bead is still on the wheel. This can be done with one tyre-lever, but is considerably easier with two.
Then, press the valve up through the rim and remove your tube from your tyre. Once the tube has been removed, you should be able to remove the second half of the bead from the rim.
Step 4: Inspect the tyre, tube and rim
If you are changing your tube or tyre because of a flat, this step is not one to be skipped. Even if you are changing your tyres due to wear, it is worthwhile to at least check your rim to make sure that there is nothing that will cause you issues in the long run.
Starting at a memorable point in your tyre, such as a logo, run your hands carefully around the inside. This step is best done wearing gloves as you’re looking for anything sharp that may have caused the flat.
If you do find anything, be sure to carefully remove it before continuing. And remember, just because you found one large thorn stuck in the tyre, doesn’t mean there isn’t another stuck in there further round – so always check the whole tyre.
Next, inspect your rim. Start at the valve and work your way around, looking for any disruptions in the rim tape or jagged edges that may have caused the flat. If your rim tape has slipped, move it back into the centre to cover the spokes. If it is worn or damaged, replace it to prevent any further flats. Electrical tape can do in a pinch. Be sure to check the edges of the valve hole as well.
If you intend to patch your tube, reinflate the tube and listen or feel for air coming out. This can also be done by submerging the tube in a tub of water and looking for air bubbles – although that’s going to be tricky at the roadside!
Finding the hole can also reveal the cause of the flat. While one small hole may indicate a foreign object, a hole along a seam can mean a faulty tube, damage at the valve can mean you were riding at too low of a pressure and two small holes in close vicinity often means a pinch flat was the cause. Pinch flats are caused by either riding at too low of a pressure and hitting pothole or kerb, or by catching the tube when it was installed.
Step 5: Replace the tyre and tube
Next, work one side of your tyre back onto the rim, making sure it is in the centre to start with. Be sure to check if the tyre is directional and, if it is, that it is facing the correct direction. The direction of the tyre will often be shown with an arrow or with the tread itself.
Once one side of the tyre is on the rim, reinflate your tube just slightly and insert the valve back into the rim and work it into the tyre all the way around. Now its time to get the other half of the bead back onto the rim.
Start at the valve and pull the other edge of the tyre back over the rim. Use one hand on either side of the wheel and work downwards, pulling the tyre down as you work to create as much slack as possible at the bottom.
If possible, avoid using tyre levers to help you at this step, as they increase the risk of pinch flats.
Step 6: Reinflate and seat the tyre
Now most of the hard part is over! Reinflate the tyre to the correct psi. As you inflate, watch the bottom edge of the tyre (closest to the rim) to ensure that the tyre is level all the way around. This will show you if the tyre is seated correctly. Most tyres will have a line or other indicator to show you if the tyre is fully seated. If it isn’t, simply deflate the tyre, pull the bead back into the centre and inflate again.
Step 7: Replace the wheel
Finally, replace the wheel into your bike the same way you removed it. For thru-axle bikes, remove the axle from the frame, slot the wheel back into place and rethread the axle, making sure that it is tight. QR axles can be easily slotted back into place, but the bike should be “grounded” (placed on the ground) before tightening the axle to ensure that the wheel is fully in the dropouts.
For rear wheels, once again use one hand to hold the wheel while the other one presses on the rear derailleur near the lower pulley wheel, giving the chain enough slack to guide it back onto the cassette and then tighten the axle. If you have a bike with rim brakes, don’t forget to reengage them before hopping on your bike again!
Roadside repairs – fixing a road bike puncture away from home
Having to change a road bike tyre on the side of the road is never ideal but it is a situation that you will probably encounter if you spend enough time on your bike. There are a few things to consider when you change a road bike tyre on the road.
A hand pump won’t get you back to full psi
Depending on what the recommended psi range is for your road bike tyres, it is likely that you’ll struggle to get your tyre back to your usual psi with just a hand pump. A CO2 inflator can come in handy here, though bear in mind that you’ll have to top up your tyre after you finish your ride.
Take your time
Getting a flat during a ride is inconvenient and it can be tempting to rush through the repair so that you can get back on the road as fast as possible. However, rushing through a flat repair can lead to more flats, which no one wants. To avoid this, don’t skip checking your tyre, tube and rim for the cause of the flat. Also, avoid using tyre levers to reinstall your tyre if possible, as this can lead to pinch flats.
How to know when to replace your road bike tyres
Though road tyres will generally hold up for a long time, you will have to change them eventually. It is also worth noting that faster race or performance tyres will wear significantly faster than more durable road bike tyres.
Knowing when to replace your road bike tyres can be difficult, especially if your tyres are completely slick. Here are some key indicators that it’s time for a new set.
- Large cuts or holes
This one is obvious, but if your road tyres have any large cuts, holes or slashes, or if you’ve gotten multiple flats with that particular set of tyres, that is a good indicator that it’s time to change them. - Wear indicators no longer visible
Some manufacturers will use tread wear indicators that slowly vanish as the tyres are used to let you know when its time to change your tyres. These wear indicators will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but often take the form of small depressions or tags on the tyre. Vanishing tread is also a good indicator that you’re due for some fresh rubber. - Visible casings
This is another obvious one, but if the puncture protection or the casing is visible through your tyre, you are well overdue to change your tyres.
Be sure to keep an eye on your tyres so that you can spot wear before it starts causing you problems. Though it can be tempting to eke a few more miles out of your tyres even when tread or wear indicators are no longer visible, resist that temptation.
Worn tyres can cause flats and though you now can change a road tyre by the side of the road, you probably don’t want to!
Nick Frendo
Road Cycling Expert
Nick Frendo is a leading voice in the UK road cycling scene, with years of hands-on experience as a cyclist, tour guide and community builder. As Van Rysel’s Road Cycling Community Manager, he plays a key role in connecting riders across London, creating inclusive spaces to ride, explore and grow together through a shared passion for the sport.
Nick has curated and led road cycling tours across Europe and now brings that expertise home through local rides that blend challenge, connection and discovery.
Whether he’s leading a group ride or embarking on a solo bikepacking adventure, Nick brings a depth of understanding and lived experience that makes him a trusted guide in all things road cycling. His mix of technical knowledge, community focus and mental health advocacy makes him a rare and valuable figure in the world of cycling.