How To Put A Bike Tire Back On The Rim

When you have a bike, it is inevitable that at some point, its tire will get damaged and need replacement. While you may consider visiting a bike mechanic shop to install a new tire, you may also complete the DIY job at home.

Yes, installing a tire back on the bike rim at home is possible. For this, you will need to know how to put the tire back on the rim bike. It also becomes important if the tire is flattened during cycling and the repair shop is far away.

To put the tire back on the rim, you must first put the tube inside the tire carefully. Also, you should flatten the tire slightly to help it hold its shape. Then, you need to align the tire with the rim, so its air valve faces the air valve hole. After that, you may quickly push it back into the rim as you move the rim with your hands.

How To Tire Back On Rim Bike

When the tire becomes flattened due to damage or punctures, you can fix it using glues. Then, the hardest part comes as you need to put back the tire with the rim. You can use a tire lever to return the tire to the rim.

A tire lever is a piece of metal or a thick plastic that you use along the edge of the rim and tire to remove or reinstall the tire. It helps you push the tire’s tight part since you can’t use your fingers there.

So, how do you put on a new bike tire?

The following steps will solve your problem of quickly installing a new tire with the rim.

Step 1: Inflating the tire slightly and put back the tube inside it

When you have fixed the punctures or damage to the tire, you can consider putting it back in the rim. However, you should inflate the tire slightly to help it hold the shape better. Also, you must put the tube inside the tire after fixing it.

If you use a tubeless tire, you can skip this part of putting back the tube. For tires with a tube, you need to align it properly. Sometimes you may find it difficult to push the tube inside. If it happens, you should deflate the tire slightly and try pushing the tube inside the tire again. It should solve the problem.

Step 2: Aligning the tire on one side of the rim

When you have inserted the tube inside the tire, you need to align it on one side of the rim. First, look at the air valve hole and carefully insert the tire’s air valve into it. Before aligning the tire with the rim, look for arrows on the tire.

The arrow will show you the direction of the treads on it. So, you can easily ensure the tire’s proper alignment with the treads’ right direction. Remember that without the right tread direction, the tire will become unstable. At times the tire may not have this arrow. Well, you need not worry about this because it tells that the tire can go in both directions.

You can align the tire with one side of the rim. Plus, you can use your fingers to insert the tire on the rim. However, be careful not to hurt your fingers while aligning the tire. For tighter spaces, use the tire lever for safety. most popular post How to assemble a bike.

Step 3:  Fitting the tire on the other side of the rim

When you have almost finished inserting one side of the tire, leave a few inches of it. Then, you should start aligning and reinserting the tire on the other side of the rim. Leaving a few inches of the tire will help you push it easily on the other side.

As you proceed, put your fingers on the air valve. It helps the air valve attach to the air valve hole properly. After that, start pressing the tire to align it with the tire. As you continue aligning the tire, you mustn’t remove your finger from the air valve. Or else the tire may come off from the rim.

Moreover, you must ensure that the tube remains inside the tire. You must push it whenever you see the tube coming out of the tire. Inserting the last few inches of the tire within the rim can be extremely challenging. At this point, you must use the tire lever and ensure not to puncture the tire. Or else you will have to fix it again.

Step 4: Screwing the lock ring

Many bike wheels come with a lock ring over the air valve. Suppose your bike wheel has such a lock ring. You need to screw and tighten it. Firstly, put the screw in its position and tighten it with your fingers. You may use a wrench to tighten the lock ring screw when you fail to tighten it with your bare hand.

The lock ring is responsible for appropriately holding the tire with the rim and wheel. Also, ensure the lock ring and air valve align correctly before tightening.

Note: Many bikes won’t have the lock ring. You can then skip this step.

Step 5: Inflating the tire and reconnecting the wheel with the bike

You would have disconnected the wheel from the bike to take out the tire and fix it. Once you have returned the fixed tire to the rim and wheel, you must connect the wheel. Nonetheless, you have to inflate the tire before reinstalling the wheel.

For a bike, the right tire pressure is 80PSI to 130PSI. So, measure the tire pressure and inflate it accurately. Then, locate the fork lock of the bike. It holds the wheel in its place. So, insert the wheel on the fork lock and tighten it.

Also, there will be a metal bar or slide to keep the wheel in position within the fork lock. Use a wrench to fasten the quick release valve of the metal bar to secure the wheel. Many bikes will have an easy-release lever. You have to close it too. Finally, connect the brakes if you have disconnected them previously.

Spin the wheels to see if it maneuvers properly. You can now ride the bike and see how the new tire works with the rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

         Why won’t my bike tire go back on?

When the tire’s bead isn’t aligned with the rim’s center, the tire won’t go back. Plus, tubed tires fail to go back for more than the required air on the tubes.

          How much does a bike rim cost?

A bike rim will cost you around $5 to$50, depending on the type of bike and its rim. For instance, MTBs require a stronger and bigger rim, which is often costlier than rims for regular bikes.

        How do I know my bike rim size?

You should look at your bike’s specification chart to find the right size of the rim and wheel. If you have lost the specification and user manual, you can check it from the website.

Conclusion

This guideline on putting a tire back on the rim bike should justify your need for a tire replacement. You can use a tire lever or your fingers to align the tire with the rim. Before that, you must insert the tire tube within the tire appropriately. Furthermore, you must align the air valve and air valve hole. Next, you should position the tire in the right direction following the arrow sign.

With these five quick and straightforward steps, you can put back the tire on the rim and start riding the bike again. It will save you $20 to $50 as you don’t need to visit the bike mechanic anymore.