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Chapter 3: Inspection and adjustment
FIGURE 3.36
One tire bead in rim
FIGURE 3.37
One bead and inner tube
in rim
FIGURE 3.39
Both tire beads seated in
rim hooks, with inner tube
inside rim
FIGURE 3.38
Do not pinch tube between
bead and rim
To install a tire on the wheel
1. Follow the Inspection procedures in the
Wheels section to check the rim, rim strip,
and tire. Also check the inside of the tire.
2. Inflate the tube until it begins to take shape.
3. Place the tube in the tire.
4. Insert the valve stem through the hole
in the rim.
5. With only your hands, install the first bead
onto the rim (Figure 3.36). Start at the valve
stem.
6. Push the tire and tube over so the tube is
inside the rim (Figure 3.37).
7. With only your hands, push the second bead
into the rim. Start at the valve stem. Do not
pinch the tube between the rim and the tire
(Figure 3.38).
8. Push the base of the valve stem up into the
tire so that it is not caught between the tire
bead and the rim.
9. Inflate the tire to about half pressure and then
check that the tire bead is properly seated in
the rim (Figure 3.39).
10. Deflate the tire again. This will help avoid
any pinch of the tube.
11. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on
the side of the tire. Do not over-inflate.
Reflectors
Every three months, make sure all the fasteners
holding the front, rear, pedal, and wheel
reflectors are tight. Check that front and
rear reflectors are oriented so their reflective
surfaces are perpendicular to the ground,
and that all reflective surfaces are clean and
in good condition. The front reflector should
point directly forward, and the rear should
point directly back. Wheel reflectors should be
tight and snug against supporting spokes to
prevent rattling. Make sure the reflectors are not
obstructed by your gear or clothing.
