Replacing a tubeless bike tyre can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide shares practical tips to make the process faster and cleaner — from de-beading and re-sealing to getting the right tyre pressure and sealant level. Learn how to spot when your tubeless tyres need changing and keep your ride smooth, safe, and puncture-free.
Tubeless tyres are notoriously versatile, with cyclists able to adjust the pressure of the tyre in order to optimise their comfort and the adaptability of the bike across different terrains and surfaces.
They are also famously low risk when it comes to punctures and boast both excellent fuel efficiency and a longer lifespan as a result.
But when it comes to replacing a tubeless tyre that has become worn or needs replacing, things can get a little difficult. In this article, we’re moving past a simple step-by-step on how to change a tubeless tyre and instead sharing our on advice and tips to make the process easier.
How do I Know When to Replace a Tubeless Tyre?
Tubeless tyres can often seal themselves in light of very small and minor punctures, which is why they are particularly popular with cyclists who prefer off-road routes and trails.
However, when the tyres start to show visible signs of wear or boast a puncture that cannot be fixed with a speedy repair patch, then it’s time to replace them with new ones.
Is it Easier to Change the Front or Rear Tyres?
While you often have no control over which tyres become damaged and need replacing, it’s interesting to observe how much easier changing a front tyre is compared to the process of changing a rear tyre.
This is generally because the rear tyres are impeded by gears and chains, while the front tyres are much more accessible
How to Start the Process of Tyre Replacement
To make the tyre replacement as easy as possible, we recommend first turning the bike upside down so that you remove all pressure from the tyres and leave them free and easy to work with. Not only does keeping the wheel attached but upside down remove the weight of the bike from the tyre, but it holds the wheel steady in one position for ease of working with the tyre.
You then need to open the tyre valve to remove all air from inside the tyre, leaving it pliable and easy to work with.
De-beading the tyre is a fiddly process that takes time and patience – but once you get there and start unsettling the tyre, it’s quite simple. Remove the bead from one side of the tyre and, while the other side is still attached to the wheel, suction out or wipe away any residual sealant so that it doesn’t get in the way.
You can then de-bead the other side and get the new tyre ready to position.
