How tyres affect your ride

We can give you advice on the best kind of tyre for your needs.

• Valves: There are two types of valves used on bicycle inner tubes; Schrader valves and Presta valves. Schrader valves are identical to the type used on car tyres and can be inflated at most petrol stations. Presta valves are smaller and lighter and require a special pump.
• Tyre diameter: You can't change your tyre diameter, because it has to match your bike.
• Tyre width: A wider tyre can give a more comfortable ride and better traction. A narrower tyre offers easier pedalling and better speed. Narrow tyres are usually better on pavement and roads, while wider tyres are often used on mountain bikes, as they grip the road better. Incidentally the treads for mountain bikes are usually deeper to grip dirt.

Replacing your tyres

Learning to change your own tyres will save you a lot on money in the long term!
Remember to take your old tyre in when buying replacements to make sure you get the right size.

You'll need

1. Tyre Tools (ask us next time you're in store).
2. A new tyre that fits your bike.
3. It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of inner tubes on hand to replace when you have punctures.

Removing the old tyre

1. Remove the wheel from the bike. Most bikes now have a quick-release lever on each axle. Simply flip one of the levers to loosen the wheel, while older bikes usually have two axle nuts holding each wheel in place. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen one of the nuts so that the wheel can be taken off.
2. Let all of the air out of the tyre.
3. Slide the rounded end of one of the tyre tools between the tyre and the rim. Working slowly and taking care not to pinch the tube, pry the tyre away from the rim by locking the free end of the tyre tool into the spokes.
4. Slide a second tyre tool between the tyre and rim. Work this tool around the rim until the tyre pops free. If the tool gets stuck, lock the free end into the spokes and begin working with the third tyre tool.
5. Remove the tyre and inner tube from the rim.

Installing the new tyre

1. Take a new tyre and slip one edge of it all the way around the rim. You can do this by hand, or use one of the tyre tools if necessary.
2. Place the inner tube completely inside the new tyre, lining up the inner tube valve with the valve hole in the rim. Push the tube as far into the tyre as possible. It might help to inflate the tube just a little.
3. Using your hands, push as much of the second edge of the tyre onto the rim as possible. Continue pushing the tube into the tyre as needed.
4. Insert a tyre tool between the rim and the portion of the tyre that is not yet installed.
5. Slowly lever the tool upward and force the tyre over the rim edge. Use a second tool to push the tube into place if necessary.
6. Gently roll the tyre into place over the rim edge. Work slowly. Try not to "snap" the tyre into place as this can pinch the tube causing leaks.
7. Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure (usually this is written on the side of the tyre), and replace the wheel on the bike.