This is because the brake needs to be adjusted close to the rim, while the fully inflated tire is significantly wider than the rim. On most bikes with rim brakes, when you try to remove the wheel, the tire bumps into the brake pads. Also, if your bike has disc brakes, you too can skip this step because you don't need to touch disc brakes to remove wheels. Note: If you're fixing a flat tire, you needn't worry about this step because when the air is all out of the tire it will fit through the brake easily. Now, do the same with the left shift lever and pedal by hand and get the chain onto the smallest chainring in front, too. Depending on the type of shift lever, you may need to move the lever a couple of times to move the chain onto the smallest cog. If you're not riding, or have already stopped, operate the right shift lever, lift the bike by the seat and pedal by hand and the chain will move down the cogs in the back. If you're riding and feel the rear tire becoming soft slowly from a puncture, you may have time to make the shifts to the smallest cog and ring as you're slowing to a stop. It also makes wheel installation easier because it gives you an accurate way to line up the wheel (on the smallest cog) so that it slips right into the bicycle frame. Shifting the chain down onto the smallest cog on the rear wheel and the smallest chainring on the crankset, creates slack in the chain, which makes rear wheel removal much easier. Shift onto the small cog and small chainring. We've covered all the tips and tricks, so you'll be an expert in no time!ġ.
We're also happy to demonstrate in person, too, so please let us know if you'd like a quick lesson.
Watch the videos and review the step-by-step photos and text. Here's how it's done on any bicycle with derailleurs, from road bikes, to mountain bikes and any 2-wheelers in between.
We have good news: Anyone can remove and install a rear wheel and it won't affect the shifting or the chain. And if you work carefully, you won't have to touch that greasy drivetrain either. Afraid to take off your rear wheel to fix a flat tire (or when taking off both wheels to put a bike in a car trunk)? Worried that you'll mess up the chain or shifting or that you'll get all greasy? Think you'll never get the rear wheel back on right?