You may need to change the tires of your mountain bike more frequently than any other bike. Because most of the time maybe you use them in rough road conditions. So if you know how to replace mountain bike tires, you will need to go less to the mechanic.
Many people explain the process of bike tire replacement in different ways. I will explain here the easiest way to change a tire. By following this simple procedure, you can replace the tires on your bike using very little equipment in your home.
How Do You Know When Your Mountain Bike Tires Need To Be Replaced?
The biggest cost in bicycle maintenance is tire replacement. If the tires on the bike are bad, you will not get the desired performance, even your safety may be threatened! So any negligence in changing the tires can be dangerous for you. From the following 6 signs, you can understand it is high time to change the tire of your bicycle.
1. Balding:
An obvious sign that it’s time to switch out of the old tire is balding. Tire knobs cause corrosive problems because of prolonged use. At this stage, the tires become much thinner. Using such tires makes it extremely difficult to establish control over the bike as they get a very little grip on the road.
There are problems during cornering, you may even fall. Because of the thinness of the tires, their tolerance decreases. These tires can burst at any moment, enabling them to withstand the pressure of the wind and can cause an accident. So change the bald tires quickly for safe riding.
2. Lost Knobs:
The knobs on the side of the tire have to withstand the most pressure. This is a common problem, especially during cornering or riding on rocky trails. So in these situations, knobs on the side of the tire should get better for bike control.
If you notice that the knobs on the side of your bike’s tire get worn out or lost, it indicates that you need to change the tire. If you prefer cornering or have to ride on rough roads, you need to replace such tires quickly.
3. Creaking:
Creaking problems can occur on any part of a bike’s tires. However, it usually occurs on the sidewall of the tires most of the time. When the tires get old, it deteriorates in quality, and problems like creaking occur.
However, the sun may be responsible for this. If you leave your bike in the sun for too long, the sunlight can damage the tires. Whatever the reason, using this type of tire is risky. So if there is a crack in the tire, replace it.
4. Tearing:
If a bike is left unused for a long time, its tires become very brittle and cracks appear in different parts of the tires. The next time you try to use the bike, the tires may tear.
Although you can sew or repair such tires, it will be a temporary solution. You can’t use such tires for long. So it is better to change them quickly.
5. Slipping:
As the tires get older, they slip on the road. You may notice that they look good or have no problems at all. But the problem is that you don’t get the amount of traction you expect.
You also need to change the tires. It is very important to have complete control over the other side of the bike. If you cannot control your bike in an emergency, there is a risk of an accident.
6. Cuts And Holes:
Tires are most likely to be damaged when sliding on dirty or rocky roads. This is because you cannot notice sharp objects, and they can cut tires or make holes. These tire holes can range from fine to large.
There is no way to rely on such damaged tires. This is because the damaged area grows quickly. If you see any holes or cuts in the tires of your bike, change the tires quickly without wasting time.
Is It Hard To Change A Mountain Bike Tire?
No, it is easy to change the tires of a mountain bike. If you are a cyclist, you might want to do minor maintenance on your bicycle yourself. Moreover, changing tires is also an effortless task.
You can change your MTB tires yourself and do not need a mechanic. Usually, you need to separate the wheel from the frame to change the tire of the bike. If your bike has a quick-release axle, then you can change the tires of your MTB bike with no tools.
What Tools Do You Need To Remove And Install A Bike Tire?
To change the tires of a mountain bike requires very few tools. However, you can use some tools to make the task easier. You can use tire levers or a multi-tool that incorporates a tire lever. This will help you open the tire easily.
A repair stand can make your job easier, but it is unnecessary. If your bike does not have a quick-release axle, you need to use a wrench to open the wheel.
Is It Possible to Remove and Install MTB Tires Without Tools?
Yes, you can change the tires of your MTB bike without any tools. However, your bike must have a quick-release axle. Tubeless tires are more convenient. If you only need to change the tires, then no tools are required for the above bikes. After changing the tire, inflate the tire using an air compressor.
Though if the bike does not have a quick-release axle or needs to change the tube, you may need to use a wrench. Also, some tyres stick too tightly to the rim and become difficult to separate with bare hands. You may need to use a tire lever to remove them.
So, How Do I Remove Old Tires From MTB?
Removing old tires from a mountain biker is a simple task. For this, you need to use very few tools. Follow the 3 steps below to remove the old bike tires most efficiently.
1. Remove The Specific Wheel Of The Bike
Remove the wheel that tire you want to change. If your bike has a quick-release axle, you do not need any tools. You can remove the wheel with a wrench if there is not a quick-release axle. Before removing the wheel, be sure to loosen the brakes of the cycle.
2. Get All The Air Out Of The Wheel
Open the air input valve to get all the air out of the wheel. This will cause the tires to become dull and lighter when the air goes out. At this stage, you can remove the tire easily.
3. Remove The Tire
Some tires are easy to separate from the rim. You can remove them by twisting and pulling by hand. However, some tires stick to the rim too tightly and it is difficult to remove them by hand. You may need to use a tire lever to remove these.
- Notes: Keep in mind that if you change the tires of your mountain bike, you may also need to change the tube unless it is a tubeless tire. In that case, open the air input valve of the tube completely before opening the tire. These valves are usually tightened with a nut on the rim.
Removing The Front Tire Of A Mountain Bike
Changing the front tires of a mountain bike is the easiest task. When opening the wheel from the bike, make sure that the rim brake is loose enough if your bike has that kind of braking system. And, if the bike has a quick-release axle system, you will not require any tools to remove the wheel. After separating the wheel, follow the easy 3 steps above to remove the tire.
Put Off The Rear Tire Of A Mountain Bike
You may get surprised that changing the rear tires of a mountain bike is as easy as changing the front tires. But removing the wheel is a bit more inconvenient than the other. To separate the rear wheel, you need to place the chain on a small cog and a small chainring. Loosen the axle and pull the derailleur backward using your finger to remove the wheel out.
Be sure to loosen the brake preciously even when removing this wheel. Then follow the simple three steps above to remove the tire.
How Do You Put/Install New Tires On A Mountain Bike?
Installing a mountain bike is as easy as opening a tire. Follow the 5 steps below to get the job done easily.
1. Check The Rim
First, check the rim carefully so that it contains nothing sharp. Sweep the rim and rim tape with a clean cloth if necessary.
2. Insert One Sidewall Of The Tire Into The Rim
Insert one sidewall of the tire into the rim. This usually requires no tools and can do by hand. Make sure that the both inner sides of the tire do not enter the rim.
3. Set And Lock The Tube
To set up a new tube, first, remove the dust cap and lock the ring of the valve in the tube. Insert the valve into the air valve hole of the rim by pressing with the finger and then insert the lock ring. Now spread the tire evenly over the rim so that there are no bends or twists anywhere. Now that you have set the tube, you will be ready to insert the next sidewall of the tire into the rim as well.
4. Insert The Other Sidewall Of The Tire Into The Rim
Now insert the other sidewall of the tire into the rim. There are some tires that you will not need any tools to insert. However, if the tire is too tight with the rim, then you need to use a tire lever to insert them.
5. Get Inflate The Tire
At last, inflate the tires using an air compressor. You can also use a hand pamper.
How To Put/Install The Front Tire Of A Mountain Bike?
Install procedure of the front tire of a mountain bike, you have to remove the old tire first. Now follow the above 5 steps to insert the tire and attach it to the wheel with the bike. When inserting the wheel, make sure that the rim brake of the bike is open.
With disc brakes, insert the brake rotor into the caliper carefully. If you have a quick-release axle, turn the lever to tighten the axle and lock the lever tightly. If it is a normal axle, tighten the axle to the bike with the nut using a wrench.
How To Put/Install The Rear Tire Of A Mountain Bike?
For replacing the rear tire of a mountain bike, you have to remove the old tire and install the new tire by following the 5 steps above. To fit the wheel to the bicycle, place the chain on the smallest cog and the smallest chainring.
If there is a rim brake, make sure it is open. With disc brakes, carefully insert the brake rotor into the caliper. Now tightening the axle with the frame will get your work done completely.
How Do You Understand Your Mountain Bike Tires Setup Is Correct?
Bike tires tend to be directional to improve safety and performance. So you always need to maintain the right position and direction. Tire manufacturers usually print directions on the sidewall of the tire. After you install the tire, if you notice that the tire is rotating in the right direction, then you understand that you have installed your tire correctly.
Mountain bike tires are made in a directional way to get proper traction on the road. These are especially important for wet, slippery, or rocky trails. Directional tires help the bike optimize the connection to the ground. This kind of system is important for speed and perfect braking.
Some Additional Information About Mountain Bike Tires
I have already explained how to remove old tires and install new tires. Now I will present here some more information about mountain bike tires you may need in the next one.
● Casing And Sidewall
If you have a tire with improved casing and sidewall, it can play an important role in protecting the rim, as well as its durability. Most good-quality tires are available for purchase with double-layer casing or lightweight sidewall protection.
● Rubber Compound
A good tire can never be made without good quality rubber. High-quality tires come with great flexibility and durability. The rubber of low-quality tires is relatively hard. Using improved compounds with standard rubber makes the tire knobs more flexible and makes the bike more controllable by providing more traction on the road.
● Tread Patterns
The trade pattern is important in providing speed through friction with the road or controlling during braking. Tread patterns may be difficult for you to understand at first. However, if you notice a few tire patterns, you can easily realize the difference.
How Many Types Of Tires Do Mountain Bikes Have?
There are 4 types of mountain bike tires available. I’m explaining these below.
1. Cross-country / Marathon / XC
If speed and climbing are your favorite choice, then these types of bikes are for you. These tires are also ideal for carrying a little more weight or racing. One characteristic of cross-country tires is that they are relatively thin and roll fast.
However, they include fewer knobs, and puncture or cut protection features are not so advanced. Therefore, these tires are not the best choice for rocky trails that may contain sharp material.
2. Trail / All-Mountain / Enduro
All-Mountain or Trail tire type of tire is ideal for you if you are a general user. This tire will be the best choice for you when you want to do aggressive cornering or expect more control in rough road conditions. All-Mountain or Enduro tires contain longer knobs and provide better traction. Trail tires are typically 120 to 140mm, All Mountain 140 to 180mm, and Enduro 160 to 180mm.
3. Downhill / Gravity / DH
These types of tires are usually stiff to overcome enormous obstacles and withstand severe injuries. The thick tires have huge suspensions. If you are overweight or need to carry extra weight, then the Downhill/Gravity type bike tire is for you.
4. Plus/Fat Tire
The surface of these tires is very wide, which is why their clearance is much higher. This type of tire is best when you want to ride a bike on the sand on the beach or a light snowy road. The 2.8 to 3.0-inch wide tires give the bike a lot more traction and great floating.
How Do You Know What Kind Of Tires Need For Your Mountain Bike?
The easiest way to find out what type or size tire you need for your bike is the user manual, which you will get with the bike. If you can’t find the manual, you can search it on the internet. Here you will find detailed information about the tires required for your model from the website of your bike manufacturer. Or you can contact the retailer. He will also be able to provide accurate information.
Final Words
Changing a bike’s tires is an expensive task. In addition, if you need to pay the mechanic from $40 to $80, the cost goes up even more. Plus, as much as you are aware of the care of your bike, there will never be a mechanic. That’s why I recommend you do as much of the bike maintenance work yourself at home as possible. Make it a DIY job, dude. After all, this is your sweet beast, not another one.
Through this article, I have presented all the information to replace mountain bike tires. And pretty much confident that you will not get heavy complexity when you will be going to replace your MTB tyre/s.
