How to Change a Bicycle Tire (Front & Rear) + PSI Guide

Changing a tire means replacing the rubber that wraps the rim—different from changing a tube (the inner tube inside the tire). You might change a tire when it’s worn, damaged, or when you want a different width or tread. For a flat tire, see How to Replace a Bicycle Tube.

The short answer: Deflate completely, remove one bead with tire levers, pull off the tire, install the new tire (and tube if clincher), seat the bead, and inflate. Recommended PSI varies by tire size: road 700x25c often 80–100 PSI, MTB 29x2.2 often 25–35 PSI. Heavier riders need more pressure.

Here’s the full process plus a PSI guide.

Tire Types: Clincher vs Tubeless

Clincher — Tire + inner tube. Bead hooks into the rim. Most common.
Tubeless — Tire seals to rim with sealant. No tube. Common on MTBs and many road/gravel bikes.

The removal process is similar; tubeless adds sealant and seating steps.

How to Change a Bicycle Tire (Clincher)

What you need: New tire, tire levers, pump, (new tube if replacing).

Step 1: Deflate Completely

Remove the valve cap and deflate the tube. For Presta, unscrew the nut and press the valve. For Schrader, press the pin. Squeeze the tire to push out remaining air.

Step 2: Remove One Bead

Start opposite the valve — usually the tightest spot.
Slide a tire lever under the bead and hook it over a spoke.
Insert a second lever a few inches away and work the bead over the rim.
Work around until one bead is off. Remove the tube.

Step 3: Remove the Second Bead (If Replacing Tire)

Work the second bead off the rim. Some tires come off easily by hand; use levers if needed.

Step 4: Install the New Tire

Partially inflate the tube (if using one) — Just enough to hold its shape.
Insert the tube — Place it inside the tire, valve through the rim hole.
Mount the first bead — Start at the valve. Work the bead onto the rim by hand.
Mount the second bead — Work from the valve outward. The last section may be tight—use tire levers carefully to avoid pinching the tube.
Check the tube — Ensure it’s not pinched between tire and rim.

Step 5: Inflate and Seat the Bead

Inflate gradually. The bead should seat evenly. If you see a bulge, deflate and reseat. Inflate to your target PSI (see guide below).

For tubeless, add sealant through the valve (or before mounting), then inflate. A floor pump may work; a compressor or high-volume pump helps with stubborn beads. Soapy water on the bead can help it slip into place.

Recommended Tire Pressure (PSI) Guide

Pressure depends on tire size, rider weight, and conditions. The sidewall shows a max PSI—stay at or below it.

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Rider weight: Heavier riders generally need more pressure; lighter riders can run less. A rough guide: add 1–2 PSI per 10 lb over 150 lb, subtract for lighter riders. Experiment within the tire’s range.

Tubeless: Often run 5–10 PSI lower than tubed for the same tire, as pinch flats are less of a concern.

Reading Tire Size

Tire size is on the sidewall:

Inch notation: e.g. 26x1.95, 29x2.2 — first number is diameter, second is width.
ETRTO: e.g. 622-25 — 622 is bead seat diameter (mm), 25 is width (mm). 622 = 700c/29”.
French: e.g. 700x25c — 700 is approximate diameter, 25 is width in mm, c is width code.

See What Is a 700c Bicycle? for more on 700c/622 sizing.

Change Bicycle Tire FAQs

What PSI should I use for 700x25c road tires?

Typical range is 80–100 PSI for 700x25c. Heavier riders may go toward the high end; lighter riders can run lower for comfort. Check the tire sidewall for max PSI and stay at or below it.

What PSI for mountain bike tires?

For 29x2.2 or similar MTB tires, 25–35 PSI is common. Lower pressure improves traction off-road but increases pinch flat risk with tubes. Tubeless allows lower pressure. Adjust for rider weight and terrain.

How do I seat a tubeless tire?

Install the tire (no tube), add sealant through the valve, then inflate quickly. A floor pump may work; a compressor or high-volume pump helps. Soapy water on the bead can help it slip into place. Listen for a 'pop' when the bead seats.

What does ETRTO tire size mean?

ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation) uses format like 622-25: 622 is bead seat diameter in mm (622 = 700c/29"), 25 is width in mm. It's the most precise way to match tires to rims.

Summary

Change a tire by deflating, removing one bead with tire levers, pulling off the tire, then installing the new tire (and tube if clincher). Inflate to seat the bead. PSI varies by tire: road 700x25c often 80–100, MTB 29x2.2 often 25–35. Heavier riders need more pressure. For tube replacement only, see How to Replace a Bicycle Tube.