Removing the Back Wheel of a Bike

Fast Forward Video to 0:23

Tools Needed:

  • Crescent Wrench (if tires are bolted)
  • None (if you have quick release)

Tips To Remove Wheel:

  • Turn bike upside down
  • Shift chain to smallest cog of the rear cassette
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  • If you have rim brakes, you will need to open rim brake so the brakes do not rub on the tire.
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  • If the wheel has a quick release system, pull open the quick release and spin to open.  If the bike does not have a quick release, use a crescent wrench to loosen the bolt.
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  • Move the derailleur out of the way with your finger and thumb as you lift the back wheel off the bike.
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Tips To Replace Wheel (Hint: do the same steps in reverse order):

  • As you bring the wheel back into the frame, align the wheel back on the smallest cog.  Use one hand to gently move the derailleur.
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  • Push the axle into the dropouts until it is firmly in place.  Use the quick release or crescent wrench to tighten the bolt.   The quick release is tight enough when there is tension when the bolt is halfway closed.
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  • Re connect the rim breaks
  • Test to  make sure everything is moving the way it should.

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