Tyres

The Cyclists' Touring Club

Cambridge District Association

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Working with tyres

Tyres are very important parts of your cycle, you ride along happily until suddenly, you find it's bumping on the rim. If you're riding on a CTC clubrun you shout “Puncture” and everyone stops. You get help with the problem.

However, if you're on your own then you have to deal with it yourself. First before you do anything else, feel round the tyre to find out if there is anything stuck in the tyre. If there is, make a note of where it is so that you can easily find the spot later. A front wheel is easily removed, but the rear wheel is a different matter. To remove the rear wheel you will need to loosen the nuts (better to have “quick release” fittings). Release the brake cable (most modern brakes are provided with a quick release system), then, holding the frame with the wheel off the ground, steering the chain around the nut and spindle to get the wheel out. If you can hang the frame on a fence, tree or some other object to keep the chain off the ground, so much the better.

Next remove the nut on the valve stem which holds the stem tight in the rim. Push the stem into the rim and start pushing the tyre edge into the rim opposite the valve, then run your thumbs around the tyre pushing it in. When you get to the valve, take a tyre lever and push in under the wire edge, levering the wire off the rim. Take a second lever and do the same about 2-3” from the first, If you have a third lever (they're usually supplied in 3's) do the same the other side of the first lever. It is best to always carry a spare tube so that you don't have to mend the puncture on the spot.	Push the wire into the well of the rim
Push wire into the rim, finishing at the valve	Insert a lever either side of the valve and lever the wire of the rim
When replacing the tyre and tube, you should put the tube into the tyre, inflate slightly and then put the valve stem into the rim. Push the rim into the tyre on one side, then let the tube down and ease the edge of the tyre on. Starting opposite the valve, push the edge of the tyre (wire) into the well of the rim and ease the edge onto the rim until you get to the last 8-9”. Turn the rim so that the side you are putting the tyre on is away from you, then roll the edge over the rim with your hands (Do not use levers). If you use levers you may make another puncture. Pump the tyre up and replace the wheel in the frame. Don't forget to check the brakes when you have replaced it.	The last 9" should rolled over the rim with your hands
When you buy a tyre or are touring and need to carry the tyre on your cycle, you should use the following method to roll the tyre for carrying on your bike. Using this method the tyre ends up in three coils, which does not twist the wire.	1st stage Take the tyre in your hands, bring together the two sides and hold in your left hand.
2nd stage Pull the top loop down below your left hand, pushing the loop down on top of the bottom loop.	3rd stage Push the remaining loop down onto the other two.
Final Stage Even up the coils and tie with string.	This can then be fastened to a saddlebag with straps or elastics.
The line should be an even distance from the edge of the rim	Incorrect fitting can reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and also cause more rapid wear of the tread.