Show Me How: to change a bike tire

culture@dailylobo.com
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When it comes to fixing things, one can be put off by the thought of a long manual that comes with a warning about leaving the work to a professional, but some tasks, such as changing a bicycle tube, can be done in a few easy steps.

Anthony Zarrella, a part-time mechanic at the UNM bike shop, said changing a bike tube is a quick and simple job most students can do on their own.

You will need: A new inner tube, tire levers and a pump.

Step 1: Disengage the brakes. This is usually done by taking the stop out of a notch in the caliper.

Step 2: Loosen the bike’s quick release or unscrew the hub nuts.

Step 3: Disconnect the wheel. If repairing the rear wheel, remove chain from sprockets first.

Step 4: Let any remaining air out and remove the old tube and tire from the rim.

Step 5: Add a small quantity of air into the new tube and insert the tube back into the tire.

Step 6: Work the tire and tube back onto the rim, placing the valve stem through the hole in the rim, and fill with air.

Step 7: Put the wheel back onto the bike and reengage the quick release or hub nuts and brakes.