Replacing a tyre

[Chris S]

I've always put the part of the tyre nearest the valve on the rim first. My thinking was that the inner-tube is thickest there so it's best to get it on first. However a video on YouTube said to put it on last as the thicker material will make the rest of the tyre harder to fit.

Hopefully it will be while before I have to change a tyre again and have the chance to find out for myself. Does anybody have any thoughts in the meantime?

 

[presta]

I always put it on nearest the valve first then push it into the tyre to make sure the beads are not sat on top of the tube. Less of a problem these days, but it's a habit from when there were large washers and nuts at the base of the valve stem. As long as you make sure the tube's not pinched under the bead before you inflate, it doesn't much matter.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I've always put the part of the tyre nearest the valve on the rim first. My thinking was that the inner-tube is thickest there so it's best to get it on first. However a video on YouTube said to put it on last as the thicker material will make the rest of the tyre harder to fit.

Hopefully it will be while before I have to change a tyre again and have the chance to find out for myself. Does anybody have any thoughts in the meantime?

Valve last seems to be generally recommended.

I think the logic is that tyre fitting is about geometry, not force. The bead needs to be down in the well opposite where the last bit goes over the rim. The valve gets in the way of this, so it's better to do it the other way around.

More often than not, doing it that way I can get tyres on purely by hand, which avoids pinching the inner tube with tyre levers.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Whatever works for you. Personally I do valve last.

 

[Webbo2]

Find that the bit I intend to put on last sometimes ends up as the bit I put on first.🤣🤣🤣

 

[ianrauk]

Valve last after pushing the tyre into the rim-well from the opposite side and working round.
But one mans meat and all that.

 

[PaulSB]

Wheel held in two hands at the valve hole with the opposite side held against the stomach. The valve in first and then work round the sides in both directions to meet at the bottom opposite the valve.

 

[fossyant]

Valve first to ensure the tyre doesn't snag the tube.

 

[presta]

The bead needs to be down in the well opposite where the last bit goes over the rim. The valve gets in the way of this

The finish doesn't have to be opposite the start. That said, I can't remember the last time I had to fight a tyre to get it on, mostly it's stopping them from falling off whilst I'm working.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'm a valve-last-er. Keep squeezing it to make sure the beads are in the well if the rim. Put a tablespoon or so of air in the tube to stop it snagging. Do the valve almost last, but not very last.

Ok for me but I'm sure other people do just as well working differently.

 

[raleighnut]

Valve first here then work around so that the last part is at 90 degrees to the valve, old school but I've been fitting tyres like that for over 50 years.

 

[PaulSB]

Valve first here then work around so that the last part is at 90 degrees to the valve, old school but I've been fitting tyres like that for over 50 years.

I've never heard the 90⁰ before and have always done 180⁰.

 

[sevenfourate]

Another valve-first devotee here.

With the valve / tube thickness being the only real obstacle - if I get that in first: the rest should be plain sailing.

Been messing with bikes nearly 45 years. Another way might be ‘easier’ - but I’m not sure if I’ve caused damage / struggled the way I do it. Hence I’ve carried on……

 

[Paulus]

I'm a valve-last-er. Keep squeezing it to make sure the beads are in the well if the rim. Put a tablespoon or so of air in the tube to stop it snagging. Do the valve almost last, but not very last.

Ok for me but I'm sure other people do just as well working differently.

Same technique as I use.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Same technique as I use.

You are obviously an idiot