Hubs, Rims and Tires

Bike tires come in many different types and styles. Each type is better suited for different types of terrain and offers unique advantages for bicycle riders. In order to keep your tires in good shape and fully enjoy the use of your bicycle, it is helpful to be aware of how to change and repair tires, as well as the different types of bicycle tires available.

Bicycle Tires: Basic Construction

The vast majority of bicycle tires are known as clincher tires. Clincher tires consist of an outer tire and a separate inner tube. These types of bike tires feature four parts: the bead, fabric, rim and rubber:

• The bead is the tire's edge and is usually made of strong steel wire, although some use Kevlar, as it is more flexible and is lighter than conventional steel. The beads hold the tire onto the rim.
• The fabric is located between the two edges and determines the shape of the tire. A number of different types of material are used for fabric thread, although the most commonly used fabric is nylon.
• The rim is the metal hoop that the tire sits on.
• The rubber, the most well-known and least important of the three tire parts, coats the fabric and the bead. The rubber has very little structural purpose and is really just a line of defense against road damage. Rubber also forms the tread pattern of the tire.

Less commonly used, a tubular tire differs from the clincher tire only by its lack of beads. Because of this, tubular tires are slightly lighter than clinchers and are held onto the bicycle rims with glue. This type of tire has better traction than clincher tires but is usually more expensive and is harder to repair. Most people actually replace tubular tires altogether when they become damaged.

How to Fix or Change Bike Tires

Fixing bike tires might require you to simply use sealant, patch a damaged spot or change the bike's tire altogether. For changing bike tires, carrying necessary repair materials at all times is recommended for any bicycle rider.

You will need:

• a patch to cover the hole
• glue
• tire levers.

Follow these steps to repair or a flat clincher tire:

1. Remove the old tire using tire levers and then remove the tube.
2. Locate the hole on the tube by holding your ear close to the tube and listening for escaping air. (If you find that there is no hole simply replace the tire altogether.)
3. Use sandpaper on the area around the hole, then clean the area with alcohol.
4. Put glue on the tube and on the patch you are going to use.
5. Press the patch over the hole and allow it to dry for a few minutes.
6. Check the inside of the rim for whatever caused the hole and remove it to avoid future holes.
7. First pump only enough air into the tube to make it take on its shape, then put it back into the tire. Push the air pump valve into the rim's valve hole, and then put the tire (with inner tube) over the bicycle rim. Add air slowly at first to make sure the tire is in the correct position and then fully inflate it.

You can also squeeze sealants, liquids or foams in through the tire's valve to replace certain holes, though you should only use these for very small holes.

Correct inflation and tire pressure are also important for a bicyclist, so experiment with different pressures until you find what is ideal for you. Correctly inflated tires are not prone to flats and make for a more comfortable ride.

When to Replace your Tires

No tires last forever and, just like car tires, the tread will gradually become worn out. When the tire is bald and/or the fabric shows through the rubber, it is definitely time to replace your tires.