If you're a cyclist, then you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. One of the essential tools in your kit is a bike tire lever. These small plastic or metal tools are designed to help you remove and install tires on your bike's wheels. However, if you're new to cycling, you might not be sure how to use them. In this blog post, we'll explain how to use bike tire levers properly.
Why Use Bike Tire Levers?
Before we dive into how to use bike tire levers, let's first discuss why you need them. Bike tires are designed to fit snugly onto your bike's wheels. This tight fit ensures that the tire won't slip off the rim while you're riding, which could lead to an accident. However, this also means that it can be challenging to remove and install tires without the right tools.
That's where bike tire levers come in. These small tools allow you to pry the tire away from the rim, making it easier to remove and install the tire. Additionally, bike tire levers can help prevent damage to your tire or rim, which could happen if you try to remove the tire by hand.
How to Use Bike Tire Levers
Now that you understand why you need bike tire levers, let's go over how to use them. Follow these steps to remove and install a tire on your bike's wheel:
Step 1: Remove the Wheel
Before you can remove the tire from your bike's wheel, you'll need to remove the wheel from your bike. Depending on your bike's design, this might involve releasing the brake, loosening the quick-release skewer or axle nuts, or unscrewing the bolts that hold the wheel in place. Once you've removed the wheel, you're ready to start removing the tire.
Step 2: Insert the Tire Lever
Insert one end of the tire lever between the tire and the rim, making sure to position it so that the hook is facing away from the wheel. Push the lever down, so it's wedged between the tire and the rim.
Step 3: Pry the Tire Away from the Rim
Using the leverage provided by the tire lever, pry the tire away from the rim by lifting the lever upward. This will create a small gap between the tire and the rim. Keep prying until the entire side of the tire is lifted off the rim. Repeat this process with the second tire lever, inserting it next to the first one, and prying the tire off the rim.
Step 4: Remove the Tire
Once both sides of the tire are lifted off the rim, you can remove the tire from the wheel by pulling it off the rim with your hands. If the tire is stubborn and won't come off, use the tire levers to pry it off the rest of the way.
Step 5: Install the New Tire
To install a new tire, first, make sure that the tire is properly oriented. Look for an arrow on the sidewall of the tire, which indicates the direction of rotation. Then, start by placing one side of the tire onto the rim, making sure that the bead (the edge of the tire that fits into the rim) is in the groove of the rim.
Next, use the tire lever to pry the second side of the tire onto the rim. Start by inserting the lever into the tire near the valve stem and levering the tire over the rim. Work your way around the rim, levering the tire onto the rim a little at a time until the entire tire is in place.
Step 6: Inflate the Tire
Once the tire is installed, inflate it to the recommended pressure. Check the sidewall of the tire for the recommended pressure range, which is usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Use a tire gauge to make sure that the tire is inflated to the correct pressure. Riding on underinflated tires can make it harder to pedal, increase the risk of a flat tire, and even damage your bike's rims.
Step 7: Reinstall the Wheel
After you've inflated the tire, you're ready to reinstall the wheel on your bike. Follow the instructions for your specific bike to reattach the wheel, making sure that it's secure before you ride.
Bike tire levers are an essential tool for any cyclist. They make it easier to remove and install tires without damaging your bike or tire, and they can even help prevent accidents. To use bike tire levers, insert them between the tire and rim, pry the tire away from the rim, and use the leverage to remove the tire. To install a new tire, place one side of the tire onto the rim, then use the tire lever to pry the second side of the tire onto the rim. Once the tire is installed, inflate it to the recommended pressure and reinstall the wheel on your bike.
By following these steps, you'll be able to use bike tire levers with confidence and keep your bike's tires in top condition.
