Another question about tires

[spingirl33]

Okay, so I need this slick tread tire for the rear of my bike. I don't even own bike tools, I've always had a bike shop service my bike. I'm looking to order this cheap tire on the internet and I realize I may just get a piece of rubber!! Do tires come on a frame where I can just take off my current back wheel and put this new one on? If not, how on earth do I get this new piece of rubber on the wheel I have - assuming it fits. How do I know whether it will fit?

I live in the city with no car and no cycling friends and no cycling tools so I'm really at a loss here. I just want to spin at home, can someone help me?

[jtfleming]

it is pretty easy to change a tire...the tire changing tool is just a small spatula...you slide it in between the tire and the wheel, and pull out a little bit and get one side of the tire off...the other side will most likely just pull off.

you do this in reverse to put the tire on. I suppose there is some sort of alternate device you could use, and no doubt the guys at the bike shop would be happy to show you. They sell these not terribly expensive tools that have everything you need for the bike. Ask about one of those. They look like a swiss army knife kind of.

[rek]

Here's the relevant info page from the Park tool web site:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQtires.shtml

Depending on the tyre and the rim, they can sometimes be difficult (or very nice and easy) to get on and off. If the tightness of the tyre bead vs. the rim ends up being a big problem with normal tyre levers, the Crank Bros. Speed Lever makes work easier.

[Insight Driver]

I suggest you ask these same questions at a local bike shop. They can show you the tools you need to change the tire. Tire levers are simple, and cheap. Chances are you have a quick release rear wheel and a brake release to make taking the wheel off your bike and putting it back on a tool-less excercise.

If you are handy and feel confident you can change the tire yourself, practise at it. You can always post a question on this site if you run into a problem.

As far as spinning at home, does this mean you already have a trainer you can set your bike on?

You may want to have a spare wheel that you can put on your bike when you have it on the trainer at home so it's a simple switch to put on your road wheel when you want to ride outside.

I hope this helps you.:)

[spingirl33]

Thanks for all the info. I've been doing research on trainers and all the equipment I need to set my bike up at home. I think you're right about the wheel. I'm just going to have to purchase a rear wheel and have the bike shop put the tire on for me - I'm not the slightest bit handy. :-) I had new pedals put on my bike a few months ago so I could ride with my spin shoes. I just couldn't train my brain to clip out of those pedals and after several mishaps in Chicago traffic I retired my bike for the summer because I don't have the proper tool to switch the pedals. I figured getting the trainer would solve the pedal problem since I can't kill myself in the house, but now I lost searching for trainers and tires and tools! I think I'm going to have to get handy real soon!

[spingirl33]

By the way, that Park Tool is a great site! Love the pictures, I may just be able to follow along.