Changing a tyre yourself: where the real risks are

The tyre is the only thing keeping the bike on the road, so a fitting mistake is expensive. If you are a beginner, leave the tyre work to a shop and limit yourself to removing and refitting the wheel.

• Remove the wheel only with the bike held securely on a proper stand. A bike falling off a jack is the most common home injury.
• Don't pry the tyre off with levers if you lack experience: it is easy to damage the bead, the rim or the pressure sensor, if fitted.
• Inspect the rim and the valve before fitting. Scratches or corrosion in the bead seat cause slow leaks.
• Check the rotation arrow on the sidewall and fit the tyre accordingly. A tyre mounted the wrong way round handles unpredictably.
• Have the wheel balanced after fitting. Without it you get handlebar vibration and uneven wear.
• Tighten the axle and brake calipers to the values in the owner's manual. If you aren't sure of the torque or the assembly order, go to a workshop.