Recommended tools
Here are the essential tools for changing your bike tire:
A bicycle pump
A set of tire levers
Gloves to protect your hands
Goggles to protect your eyes
How to change a tubeless-ready bike tire?
Here are the steps for changing a tubeless-ready bike tire:
1 - How to remove a tubeless-ready bike tire (TLR)?
Remove your bike tire in a clean, dirt-free area. When working with a Tubeless-Ready (TLR) tire, be aware that sealant may splash. Always use proper protective equipment.
Unclip the tire from one side of the rim by pushing the tire bead toward the inside of the rim.
Carefully place a tire lever on each side of the valve (about 2 inches away) and use them at the same time to pull the tire over the rim hook.
Slide the tire levers along the rim to fully remove the first tire bead.
If your sealant still looks fresh (same color and viscosity), you can reuse it.
Now, remove the bike tire from the rim completely.
2 - How to mount the tubeless-ready bike tire (TLR)?
A Tubeless Ready tire can be mounted with or without an inner tube. When mounting a TLR without an inner tube, sealant must be used to ensure an airtight fit.
Tubeless-Ready compatible rims must also be used (check the compatibility with the rim manufacturer). You must also use compatible rim tapes and valves.
Check the state of your Tubeless Ready rim tape. Any TLR compatible rim tape (adhesive or self-positioning) that has come off should be replaced.
Check the condition of your valve’s rubber base. Check that the valve is tight.
Remove the valve core and check that it is not clogged with sealant.
Insert the tire bead into the rim and make sure the tire-rotation direction matches that of the rim. Start this operation on the side opposite the valve and end at the valve.
Then insert the second bead, again starting on the side opposite the valve and ending at the valve.
Inflate the tire to seat the beads properly in the rim. You may hear a “pop” sound as the beads settle.
Do not exceed the maximum recommended pressure on the sidewall of the tire.
Once the tire is fully mounted, deflate it slightly and add sealant.
Use the amount of sealant recommended by the sealant manufacturer (varies based on tire volume).
Reinstall the Presta valve core and inflate the tire.
Rotate the wheel to spread the sealant evenly inside the tire.
For best results, ride your bike for a short distance to distribute the sealant fully. Check and adjust tire pressure before every ride.
Once the wheel is mounted, check the brake pad alignment to avoid damaging the tire.
Using Tire Sealant
Sealants are usually latex-based and have the added advantage of being able to seal punctures, providing a lasting repair. Unfortunately, these products have a limited life-span.
Why do I need a sealant? Tubeless Ready tires are not completely airtight. You need to use a sealant to make sure that they are airtight.
Combining a Tubeless Ready tire and a sealant provides better protection against punctures, and the sealant has a minor impact on rolling efficiency. This is why Michelin only manufactures Tubeless Ready tires, rather than tubeless tires, which you may have used in the past and which do not require a sealant.
How to Add Sealant to Your Tires?
There are two methods to add sealant:
1. Through the valve
-If using a Presta valve with a removable core, inject the sealant through the valve.
-This method is cleaner since the tire is already positioned on the rim.
2. Inside the tire before mounting the second bead
-Pour the sealant directly inside before closing the tire.
How Often Should You Replace Sealant?
Sealant effectiveness depends on:
-Temperature and storage conditions
-Riding terrain and frequency
Over time, sealant dries out and forms a rubber film or small clumps.
We recommend checking and replacing sealant approximately every 3 months, depending on how often you ride.
How to change a tube-type bike tire?
Here are the steps for changing a tube-type tire:
1 - How to remove a tube-type bike tire?
Unclip the tire from one side of the rim by pushing the tire bead towards the inside of the rim.
Carefully position a tire lever on each side of the valve (about 5 cm away) and use them simultaneously to pull the tire over the rim hook.
Slide the tire levers along the rim to remove the first bead from the tire.
Now, you can remove the bike tire from the rim.
2 - How to mount a tube-type bike tire?
Carefully check the condition of your rim; first remove the rim tape, so you can insect the rim properly. A badly scratched, damaged or cracked rim should be replaced, since it may affect your bike’s performance. A deformed rim should be repaired by a specialist. Make sure the bottom of the rim is clean.
Start by positioning the rim tape next to the valve hole. The valve can be used to hold the rim tape in position. You can use a tire lever to help you. New rim tape will protect your inner tube more effectively. If the adhesive rim tape has come off the rim, it must be replaced.
Insert one of the tire beads into the rim, starting with the section opposite the valve, and make sure the rotation direction is correct.
Inflate the inner tube slightly (until it is round) and insert it into the tire, starting with the valve. At this stage, the tube should be pliable when pressed.
Then, insert the second bead, again starting on the side opposite the valve and positioning the bead in the base of the rim.
Proceed around the rim, ending at the valve.
Inspect around the entire rim, moving the tire from side to side to make sure it is firmly in place.
Make sure the inner tube is not stuck under the beads, so it does not get pinched when inflating.
Inflate the tire. Do not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the side of the tire as it could lead to rapid air loss. If you are using a latex tube, sprinkle talcum powder on it to prevent it from sticking to the inside of the tire.
Rotate the wheel to make sure the tire is properly centered.
Adjust the pressure according to your height, weight and riding style.
Important notes for changing a bike tire:
A badly positioned bead can cause an imbalance.
Once the wheel is mounted on the bike, it is important to check the position of the brake pads in relation to the rim to avoid damaging the tire.
Some final tips
Knowing how to change a bike tire is important, but maintaining your tires properly extends their lifespan and ensures better performance.
-Regularly check tire pressure and keep it within the recommended range specified by the tire manufacturer.
-Inspect your tires frequently for cuts, embedded objects, or uneven wear.
By following these steps and maintenance practices, you can maximize your tires’ durability and enjoy a smoother, safer ride.
FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
The essentials: a tire lever (plastic, to avoid rim damage), a spare inner tube or patch kit for tube-type setups, and a pump. For tubeless setups, carry a spare tube that can be used as emergency backup if sealant fails to seal the puncture. A small screwdriver or pick is useful for removing embedded debris from the tread before refitting or fitting a new tire. For roadside changes, a CO2 inflator speeds up the process but carries only one or two charges.
Remove the wheel from the bike. Deflate completely and unseat one bead of the tire from the rim using tire levers. Remove the tube (tube-type) or locate and remove the object that caused the puncture. Check the inside of the tire and the rim for sharp objects — run your fingers carefully along the inside of the tread. Inspect the rim tape. For tube-type: fit a new or patched tube, seat the tire back onto the rim by hand (levers if needed), inflate slightly to check seating, then to full pressure. For tubeless: add sealant if needed, reseat and re-inflate.
Three steps. Run your fingers carefully along the inside of the tire — feel for any sharp object that may have worked through the casing. Look at where on the tube the puncture is: a single hole on the outside of the tube indicates an object through the tread; two holes close together (snake bite) indicate a pinch flat from impact or low pressure; a hole on the rim side of the tube indicates a rim tape problem. Check the rim tape for tears or gaps. Don't refit without finding the cause — the same object or condition will cause another flat immediately.
Inflate the tube slightly before placing it inside the tire — just enough to give it a round shape. When seating the second bead onto the rim, keep the tube inside the tire rather than letting it drift out, and start at the opposite side of the rim from the valve. Finish seating at the valve, checking that the tube isn't trapped under the bead. Before inflating fully, run your fingers around both sides of the rim to confirm the bead isn't pinching the tube anywhere.
Yes, for tube-type setups. Small punctures can be repaired with a rubber patch kit — the damaged section is cleaned, roughened, a patch applied with vulcanizing cement, and allowed to cure. The repair is viable for pinhole punctures; large tears or punctures near the valve aren't practical to repair reliably. Carrying a spare tube for roadside changes and patching the punctured tube later at home is the most common approach — faster on the road, still economical.
Deflate and check that the bead is positioned in the rim's channel uniformly around the entire circumference. Re-lubricate the bead and rim seating surface lightly (particularly for tubeless). Inflate again slowly — sometimes the bead clicks into place at a certain pressure. If using a floor pump isn't generating enough pressure fast enough to seat the bead, a tubeless inflator or a burst of air from a CO2 cartridge can seat stubborn beads. Never exceed the tire's maximum pressure printed on the sidewall when attempting to seat a bead.
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