A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Mountain Bike Tyre

If you've hit the trails hard and your mountain bike tire needs some TLC, removing it might feel like climbing a mountain—but don’t worry. It’s a task that even beginners can manage with the right steps and tools.

Whether you're fixing a flat tire with a portable electric bike pump, upgrading your tires, or performing routine maintenance, learning how to remove a mountain bike tire properly is an essential skill for any cyclist. Even with the best mountain bike tire pump in your hand, it’s useless if you are not able to remove the tire to fix it first.

Here’s a simple guide to help you tackle the job without spinning your wheels.

What You’ll Need:

Before you start, gather these tools to make the process quick and easy:

● Tire levers (2 or 3)

● A bike stand (optional but useful)

● A wrench or quick-release lever (depending on your bike model)

● A pump or CO2 inflator like the Cycplus AS2 Pro Max (for re-installation)

Step 1: Release the Brake

First things first, you’ll need to release the brake on your mountain bike to allow the wheel to slide out easily. For bikes with rim brakes, you can either undo the cable by squeezing the calipers together or release the quick-release mechanism if it’s equipped with one.

If you have disc brakes, you don’t need to worry about this step since they don’t clamp directly onto the tire.

Step 2: Flip the Bike Over

Once the brake is released, flip your bike upside down so it rests on the seat and handlebars. If you have a bike stand, feel free to use it, but flipping the bike is a great way to balance it without any extra tools. Be sure to place your bike on a soft surface or towel to avoid scratching the handlebars or seat.

Step 3: Remove the Wheel

Depending on your bike, you'll either need to loosen the quick-release skewer or use a wrench to remove the wheel. For a quick-release system, simply pull the lever open and unscrew it slightly. For wheels with thru-axles, you’ll need to unscrew the axle completely before removing the wheel. With the axle or skewer loosened, gently pull the wheel from the frame. You may need to jiggle the tire a bit to release it from the dropouts, especially if it's been on there for a while.

Step 4: Deflate the Tire

Before you remove the tire from the rim, it’s important to deflate it completely. You can press down on the valve core to let the air out manually, or if your bike is equipped with a Presta valve, unscrew the small nut at the top and press down on it to release the air.

Step 5: Use Tire Levers to Remove the Tire

Now comes the fun part! Insert a tire lever under the edge of the tire (known as the bead) and pry it away from the rim. Use a second tire lever to work your way around the wheel, carefully lifting the tire away. Be sure to go slowly to avoid damaging the tube or rim.

If you're wondering why removing a tire is such hard work, it's because they’re designed to stay in place no matter how rough the ride. After all, nobody wants a tire popping off mid-trail—talk about a deflating experience.

Step 6: Remove the Tube

With the tire partially off, you can now remove the inner tube. Simply pull it out, starting near the valve stem. If you're just patching a flat, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

A Quick Recap

With a bit of elbow grease and the right tools, removing your mountain bike tire is as easy as riding downhill. Remember, the more you do it, the quicker and more efficient you'll become—so don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. So, keep your ride rolling smoothly and, as we like to say, don’t let the “wheels fall off” your biking journey! If once you have removed it, you need help with inflating the tire, then check out our how to inflate mountain bike tire guide for some guidance.

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