Changing a tyre and inner tube: Here’s how it works
Every cyclist should know how to change a tyre. This means you can also quickly replace the inner tube in the event of a puncture. We'll show you what to look out for with your bike equipped with a Mahle motor.
This tutorial explains how to change the tyres on bicycles equipped with a Mahle motor and derailleur gears. The images show a different bicycle model and are for illustrative purposes only.
Step 1: Removing the wheel
Shift the chain to the smallest sprocket.
Rear wheel: Disconnect the hub motor's connection cable from the plug connection. First, remove the cable tie on the chainstay using diagonal cutting pliers.
Use the hex wrench to loosen the axle nuts on both sides and remove them along with the spacers. Hold the wheel firmly with one hand.
Turn the rear derailleur clockwise to the rear. This allows you to remove the wheel downwards.
Note: For Shimano rear derailleurs with a switchable chain stabilizer, the lever should first be moved to the "Off" position.
To remove the front wheel, simply remove the thru axle. Loosen it with a hex wrench, pull it all the way out, and remove the wheel by pulling it downward.
Step 2: Removing the tyre
Unscrew the valve cap, open the valve and let the air out of the tyre.
Press the tyre sidewalls together on both sides until the tyre sits loosely in the rim base all around.
Place the tyre lever on one side of the tyre and lift it over the rim. The tyre can now be released along the rim by pulling it. If the tyre is tight, using a second or third tyre lever, each spaced about 10 cm apart, can help.
Before you remove the tyre completely, unscrew the valve nut from the valve and then remove the inner tube from the tyre.
Then pull the tyre off the rim.
Step 3: Tyre inspection
After a puncture, carefully inspect the tyre by hand for damage or foreign objects such as thorns or glass splinters.
Now also inspect the inside of the rim as described above.
Finally, take a look at the inner tube. You can repair a punctured inner tube with a repair kit or replace it with a new one. If the inner tube has cracks, it should generally be replaced.
Step 4: Fitting the tyre
Place one side of the tyre in the rim well. Be sure to follow the direction of rotation indicated on the tyre sidewall.
Inflate the inner tube a bit to bring it into shape.
Insert the valve through the rim hole and place the inner tube between the tyre and the the rim base all around.
Now lift the outer tyre side – starting at valve – over the rim. Work your way upwards on both sides, taking care not to pinch the inner tube. A tyre lever can be helpful for the last section.
Screw the valve nut back on and inflate the tyre completely. Observe the air pressure specifications on the tyre sidewall.
Finally, check that the tyre is positioned evenly by means of the continuous markings. It should be the same distance from the rim all around.
Step 5: Installing the wheel
Rear wheel: Pull the rear derailleur back again, slowly put the wheel into the rear triangle from below and place the chain on the smallest sprocket.
Now put the wheel in so that the brake disc is positioned in the brake caliper and the hub between the dropouts. Watch out not to touch the brake disc with your hand.
Reinstall the spacers (make sure they are aligned properly!) and axle nuts onto the axle, and tighten the axle nuts alternately to 23 Nm using a torque wrench.
For Shimano rear derailleurs with a switchable chain stabilizer, move the lever back to the "On" position.
Now reconnect the motor cable connectors. Secure them to the frame using cable ties.
Front wheel: Insert the wheel into the fork dropouts, thread the thru-axle through (starting from the brake disc side), and then tighten it to 15 Nm.
Your bike is now ready for use again. Finally, you should check that you can still shift through all gears and that the brake does not grind. Have fun on your next tour!
Can't find what you're looking for? Additional support
