How to measure tire wear
To measure the wear on your city bike's tires and to know when they need replacing, you need to inspect the tread.
Usual signs of wear include:
- tread starting to fray
- the appearance of a series of micro cracks
- low tread depth
- the frame becomes visible.
In all these cases the tire is worn and needs replacing.
How to remove a tire
To remove your tire, deflate the inner tube until no more air comes out.
Once deflated, use a tire lever to remove the tire from the rim.
How to fit a tire
To put your tire back on, first start by inserting one side of the tire into the rim. Next, inflate your inner tube to approximately 30% before putting it into the tire (inflating it beforehand reduces the risk of pinching the inner tube). Then, insert the other side of the tire into the rim, starting on the side opposite the valve.
Before inflating the inner tube all the way, check to make sure it isn't pinched between the tire and the rim.
How to inflate your tire correctly
Inflate your tire carefully. The recommended pressure is indicated on the side of your tire.
Also, before each outing, make sure that your tires are at the correct pressure for your ride.
Tip from the pros
When inflating your tire, make sure you inflate it to the suitable pressure for the terrain you will be riding on and the weather conditions you will be riding in.
When riding in rainy weather, lower the tire pressure to increase the tire's traction. On the other hand, when riding in dry weather, you can increase the pressure for better performance.
