TECH TIPS TRAILSIDE TIRE CHANGE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
T RAILSIDE TIRE C HANG E BY: JIMMY LE WIS
Changing tires is hard enough for most riders in perfect conditions, but what do you do if forced to do it out on the trail? We’ll give you some insight based on years of experience learning the rights and wrongs of the process.
Have the right tools. How do you make sure? Use them in a garage tire change to verify it. The basics are: wrenches/sockets to remove the axle, wrench/socket for the rim lock, something to keep dirt out of the bearings, valve core remover, compact tire irons, and a compact tire pump. An extra valve core and a valve stem nut can come in handy too.
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How do you hold up the bike? What do you use for a stand? Or do you even need one? Logs are great, rocks can work, and we’ve even laid a bike over on the side or dropped/hung the bike on a ledge to allow easier wheel removal. The answer is to use what is available. Often a little hunting for a proper nature-made stand can really save time and effort. And remember the “balance” of the bike will drastically change when the wheel comes off, so expect that.
