CyclistWatch: How to change a tyre and inner tube without levers like a proChanging tyres is a fact of life for any cyclist, be it worn out treads or simply the inevitable punctures we all encounter at some point.But changing a tyre or inner tube doesnt have to be a major chore. As thevideo above shows, learning some simple techniques means saving all the struggle and you dont even need tyre levers for the majority of setups.Follow our steps and you can have your flat fixed, or tyres swapped, in no time. Related Posts Best road bike upgrades for every budget How to build a home bicycle workshop Best road bike tyres 2024: 10 of the best tyres for all occasions How to clean your bike chain and drivetrain in 5 minutes How to pack your cycling jersey pockets and saddle bag like a pro How to change a tyre and inner tube without levers like a pro1. Move all the slack round to one placeThe key to being able to remove a road bike tyre quickly and efficiently is getting all the slack that exists between the rim and the tyre into one place.The technique is to work around the bead of the tyre systematically, unlocking it from the rim (as often youll find it stuck) and then gripping and pulling with your fingers and thumbs working towards a single point; ending opposite the valve works best.Note: If you end up at the valve you wont be able to push the tyre off.2. Use the slack youve created to push the tyre off the rimWith a slack point established, hold onto it as you support the wheel between your feet on the floor, and then starting with your thumbs begin to push the tyre bead sideways off the rim. Once youve got it started you can use the palm of your hand, in an outward rolling motion, to be a more effective lever.Note: Sometimes this requires a fair amount of force and good technique, which will only come with practice.Also note: some tyre and rim combinations are tougher than others. Its a good idea to try your particular setup at home first, so you are not doing this for the first time on the side of a busy road in the pouring rain.3. Push the rest of the tyre off the rim, check for debrisOnce youve got a section of the tyre over the edge of the rim it should be fairly straightforward to continue and push it all the way off.At this point, if youre at the roadside due to a puncture, now is the time you need to thoroughly check inside the tyre carcass for the offending thorn/flint/shard of glass or whatever has caused the flat.Beware: sharp bits of glass poking through can also cut fingers!4. Refit the tyre on one sideTo refit the tyre: start with pushing on just a single bead so the tyre is held in place. Its a nice touch to align your tyre logos with the valve and it can make locating future punctures easier. Details count.5. Slightly inflate the tubeBefore trying to fit the new tube, the best tip I can offer is to inflate it slightly.Its really important the tube has some air inside as this will make it hold its roundness and shape which makes fitting it so much simpler, and significantly reduces the chance of pinching the tube during fitting.6. Insert the new inner tubePop the valve in first and then guide the inner tube into the tyre carcass. Immediately you will notice how much easier this is to achieve with the partially inflated tube, rather than a dead flat one.Check the inner tube is completely within the rim bed all around.7. Fit the second side of the tyrePlace the wheel on the floor once more, valve at the bottom, and begin opposite (at the top) working the bead of the tyre back into the rim bed with your thumbs.As per the tyre removal technique, try to work the slack around with you as you push the tyre bead in. With practice this will become second nature.At the end point (try to finish at the valve) it may look like the tyre will not fit, but trust me it will. It just needs a good shove.Strong thumbs are helpful, but its good technique not brute strength that makes this easy. Again, practise!If necessary go back a few more times, working the slack around once more and pushing a little more of the tyre on each time.Tip: Little bites are helpful ie, push a bit on at a time, dont try and push a huge chunk over in one go. Youll just end up frustrated and with very sore thumbs.8. Push the valve upWhy you should finish at the valve: Once the final part of the tyre is seated end by pushing the valve stem upwards (into the rim) to ensure the tube is not trapped here (where it is usually thickest).9. Final visual checkId advise one final visual check around the entire bead to check no part of the inner tube is trapped before inflation. But this should never be a worry if you have put sufficient air/shape into the tube in the first place, as it wont lie flat.10. Pump it upNow youre ready to inflate, using your mini pump or CO2 inflator if youre at the roadside, or your track pump at home.Ready to attempt something tougher than changing an inner tube? Read our guide on how to build a home workshop Related Posts Best road bike upgrades for every budget How to build a home bicycle workshop Best road bike tyres 2024: 10 of the best tyres for all occasions How to clean your bike chain and drivetrain in 5 minutes How to pack your cycling jersey pockets and saddle bag like a pro The post Watch: How to change a tyre and inner tube without levers like a pro appeared first on Cyclist.