Recommended Tools
To safely and efficiently change your tire, we recommend:
A bike pump (preferably with a pressure gauge)
A pair of tire levers
Protective gloves to keep your hands clean and safe
Safety goggles, especially when working with sealant from tubeless setups
How to Change a Tubeless-Ready (TLR) Bike Tire
Follow the steps below:
1 – Removing the Tubeless-Ready Tire
Work in a clean, dry area to avoid contamination. Tubeless sealant may splash during removal, so protect nearby surfaces.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling tubeless tires.
Start by unseating one side of the tire: press the bead toward the centre of the rim well until it pops free from the edge.
Place a tire lever on each side of the valve, about 5 cm (2 inches) away.
Use both levers at the same time to gently pull the tire over the rim hook.
Once the bead is out, slide one lever along the rim to fully unseat the first side of the tire.
What to Do With the Sealant
Collect the remaining tubeless sealant from inside the tire. If the colour and viscosity appear the same as when first applied, the sealant is still effective and can be reused.
Once complete, remove the tire completely from the rim to proceed with inspection or replacement.
2 – How to Mount a Tubeless-Ready (TLR) Bike Tire
A Tubeless Ready (TLR) tire can be installed with or without an inner tube. For a tubeless setup, using sealant is essential to ensure an airtight seal.
Before mounting, confirm your rim is Tubeless Ready–compatible. Check with the rim manufacturer if you're unsure.
Use compatible TLR rim tape and valves:
Inspect the rim tape; if it's lifting or damaged, replace it before installation.
Check that the valve’s rubber base is intact and the valve is securely tightened.
Remove the valve core to inspect for blockages—clean or replace if clogged with old sealant.
Mounting the Tire:
Insert the First Bead:
Place one bead of the tire into the rim, ensuring the rotation direction matches the arrow on the tire.
Start inserting the bead opposite the valve, and finish at the valve area.
Insert the Second Bead:
Begin with the second bead, starting opposite the valve again.
Finish at the valve to ensure even tension and smooth installation.
Inflating the Tire:
Position the Beads:
Inflate the tire just enough so the beads sit properly at the base of the rim. You may hear a characteristic “pop” sound as the beads snap into place.
Check the Pressure:
Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure as indicated on the sidewall of the tire, without exceeding the maximum pressure specified.
Ensure the pressure is within the safe range for both the tire and the rim.
Adding Sealant:
Deflate the Tire Slightly:
Once the tire is mounted, deflate it slightly to allow for the insertion of sealant.
Add Sealant:
Pour the recommended amount of sealant (based on tire volume) into the tire.
Re-insert the valve core and securely tighten it.
Reinflate the Tire:
Inflate the tire to the appropriate pressure based on your riding style, weight, and terrain.
Rotate the wheel to ensure the sealant coats the entire inside of the tire evenly. A short ride will help distribute the sealant more effectively.
Final Checks:
Check Tire Pressure:
Before each ride, check and adjust the tire pressure as needed.
Brake Pad Position:
Once the wheel is mounted back on the bike, check that the brake pads align properly with the rim to avoid any damage to the tire.
Using Tire Sealant
Tire sealants are typically latex-based and are essential for providing puncture protection and enabling lasting repairs. However, they do have a limited lifespan and need regular attention to maintain their effectiveness.
Why Do I Need Sealant?
Tubeless Ready (TLR) tires are not inherently airtight, which is why sealant is crucial. It fills in the small gaps and creates an airtight seal, improving your ride’s overall safety and performance.
The combination of TLR tires and sealant provides better protection against punctures. While sealant might slightly reduce rolling efficiency, it’s a small trade-off for added security on rough terrain—ideal for the varied conditions in Canada’s urban streets and off-road trails.
Note: Michelin focuses on Tubeless Ready tires because they provide the best balance of performance and puncture protection, unlike tubeless tires (which don’t need sealant but come with other limitations).
How to Add Sealant to Your Tires
There are two common methods for adding sealant:
1. Through the Valve (Presta Valve with Removable Core):
This method is cleaner because you can inject the sealant directly through the removable valve core.
It’s best done when the tire is already mounted and seated on the rim.
2. Inside the Tire (Before Installing the Second Bead):
Add the sealant directly into the tire before mounting the second bead.
This option is useful if you haven't mounted the tire yet and prefer to handle the sealant before completing installation.
How Often Should I Add or Replace Sealant?
How often should I add or replace the sealant? Sealant dries out over time and forms a rubber film, or it breaks into small chunks, reducing its effectiveness. Check your tire sealant every 3 months, or more frequently depending on usage. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and riding frequency can affect the sealant's lifespan.
Tip: If you ride regularly across varied terrains, like gravel trails or rough city roads, regular checks will help keep your tires in top condition.
How to Change a Tube-Type Bike Tire
Changing a tube-type bike tire is a relatively simple process, but it requires care to avoid damaging the tire or rim. Follow these steps:
How to Remove a Tube-Type Bike Tire
Unseat the Tire Bead:
Start by unclipping one side of the tire from the rim. To do this, push the tire bead towards the inside of the rim, freeing it from the rim hook.
Use Tire Levers:
Position a tire lever on either side of the valve, about 5 cm (2 inches) away from it.
Use both levers simultaneously to gently pull the tire over the rim hook. Take care not to damage the rim.
Slide the tire levers around the rim to remove the first bead from the tire.
Remove the Tire:
Once the first bead is off, the rest of the tire will come off more easily. Carefully remove the tire from the rim, making sure not to damage the rim or puncture the inner tube inside.
How to Mount a Tube-Type Bike Tire
1 – Check the Rim Condition
Carefully check the condition of the rim. If the rim is damaged (scratched, cracked, or deformed), it should be replaced as it may affect your bike's performance.
Make sure the rim tape is intact and properly positioned. If it has come off or is damaged, it should be replaced.
Clean the bottom of the rim to ensure a proper seal for the inner tube.
2 – Position the Rim Tape
Start by positioning the rim tape next to the valve hole. Use the valve to help keep the rim tape in place.
If the rim tape is adhesive, ensure it is properly positioned. New rim tape will provide better protection for your inner tube.
3 – Insert the Tire Bead
Begin by inserting one tire bead into the rim, starting on the side opposite the valve.
Ensure that the tire’s rotation direction is correct, as indicated by the arrow on the tire’s sidewall.
4 – Insert the Inner Tube
Inflate the inner tube slightly until it becomes round and pliable.
Insert the tube into the tire, starting at the valve. The tube should be flexible and easy to insert when pressed into the tire.
5 – Insert the Second Tire Bead
Insert the second bead of the tire into the rim, starting opposite the valve and finishing at the valve.
Proceed around the rim, checking the tire is correctly seated. Be sure the tube isn’t pinched under the beads, as this can cause damage when inflating.
6 – Inflate the Tire
Inflate the tire gradually, not exceeding the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.
If you're using a latex tube, consider sprinkling talcum powder on it to prevent sticking to the tire.
Rotate the wheel to ensure the tire is properly centered.
7 – Check Brake Pad Position
Once the wheel is mounted on the bike, check the position of the brake pads in relation to the rim to avoid any damage to the tire.
Additional Tips
Knowing how to change a bike tire is important, but proper tire maintenance extends the lifespan of your tires and improves overall bike 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 signs of uneven wear.
By following these tire maintenance tips, you can maximize your tires' durability and enjoy a smoother, safer ride.
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