How much does it cost to fix a bike tire


How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Bike Tire?

If you’ve got a bike with a flat tire and you’re wondering how much it’s going to cost you to get it fixed, then you’ve come to the right place.

The good news is that it isn’t very much.

For most bikes, a flat is due to a punctured inner tube.

This can be caused by lots of things such as thorns, sharp stones, or broken glass.

Replacement tubes are cheap to buy and a simple job to fit the new one on to your bicycle wheel.

That translates into a repair bill that will only set you back a few bucks.

I’ve done some research into the latest pricing for repairing a bike tire and I’ll talk through this in a moment.

But, there’s a bigger and more pressing issue that we need to look at as well:

Punctures never happen at ‘good’ times.

They never happen when you’re at home and have another bike on standby that you can hop onto instead.

Or, when you’re out on a bike ride and just happen to be cruising past a handy bike repair shop.

And, even when flats DO happen at supposedly ‘good’ times, you’ll likely find that the repair shop has a two- or three-day turnaround time.

So, it’s useful to know how to fix a flat tire yourself.

That way you can dodge the waiting times, save yourself some cash, and get you and your bike back on the road fast.

Fixing a puncture is one of the easiest repair jobs you can do on a bike and, with a spare tube and a few low-cost tools, you can get the job done in 30-45 minutes.

In this article, I’m going to show you:

  1. How to find out what replacement inner tube and tire size you need for your bike (this is easy)
  2. What repair tools you need (you don’t need many and none of them are expensive)
  3. How to carry out the repair (this is super-simple)

But first, let’s see how much a bike repair shop will charge to do the job.

Quick answer: How much does it cost to fix a bike tire?

A bike repair shop, whether it’s a local bike shop or a national chain (such as REI or Trek), will charge around:

$10 for labor, plus
$10 for a new inner tube

Total repair price = $20

Normally this will be all you need to replace, however sometimes you may also need to have a new tire fitted.

This can happen if the existing one was damaged at the same time as the tube (for example by broken glass slashing the sidewall) or if the current tire is old and worn.

If that’s the case then a new tire can be fitted.

The good news is that the labor is likely to be free (it’s no more effort than replacing the tube).

The bad news is that tires are more expensive than inner tubes (think: $40 for a basic tire, up to $80 for a premium brand).

In summary, the cost to repair a flat bike tire will generally be around $20.

The problem, like we’ve already seen, is that flat tires will often happen when you’re nowhere near a handy repair shop. And, if they do, the repair shop will likely not be able to carry out the repair while-you-wait.

It’s useful then to know how to fix a flat and carry tools and a spare tube with you on bike rides, so that you can get the repair done yourself.

Let’s take a look at what you need and how to do the repair.

How to determine what inner tube and tire you need

Whilst those black rubber circles at each end of your bike can look very similar, there’s actually a huge variation between tires and inner tubes.

Road bike tires, for example, are skinny with little or no grip.

Mountain bike tires, on the other hand, tend to be much wider with big knobbles all around them.

How do you know which tube and tire is right for your bike?

Well, thankfully, there’s a really easy way to find this out.

Squat down next to your bike and look at the sidewall of your tire – this is the circular strip of rubber that sits adjacent to the metal wheel rim.

Look around this sidewall and you’ll find numbers marked along it. These will look like “700 x 32” or “27.5 x 2.1”.

The first number shown is the wheel diameter (700mm or 27.5” in the above examples).

The second number is the tire width (32mm or 2.1” in the above examples).

Pick a replacement bike tire that has those numbers on it – i.e. if your existing tire says “27.5 x 2.1”, then choose a replacement tire that also says “27.5 x 2.1”.

Note: if your tire has a “c” in the numbers (e.g. “700x32c”) then you can ignore it. “700x32c” is the same size tire as “700×32”.

Choosing a replacement tube is slightly more complicated.

Inner tubes are like balloons – the more you inflate them the wider they get (The diameter stays the same no matter how much you inflate the tube).

So, to pick a replacement inner tube you should look for one that has the same diameter number as is printed on your tire, with a width range that includes the width number printed on your tire.

Examples:

Tire sidewall says “700 x 32” = Replacement tube will be listed as “700 x 28-32”
Tire sidewall says “27.5 x 2.1” = Replacement tube will be listed as “27.5 x 2.10-2.35”

One complication is that bike tires normally have one of two types of valve – Schrader or Presta.

Schrader is the type that you see on car tires. They are short and quite wide.

Presta valves are often used on road bike tires. They are slimmer and longer than Schrader and have a small nut at the tip which needs to be loosened to inflate the tube.

It’s easiest to get a new tube with the same valve as your existing damaged tube.

How to repair a flat bike tire

Ok, we’ve found out how to determine what size replacement tube and tire you need. Let’s look at how to fit them on your bike and what tools you need to do it.

Tools required:

  • New inner tube (and tire, if necessary)
  • Pair of tire levers – plastic ones are great as they are small and light
  • Bike pump – I keep a floor pump for use at home and a smaller CO2 tire inflator for use ‘on the road’

How to do it:

  1. Loosen the quick-release bolt holding the wheel and lift the wheel out of the forks
  2. Use the tire levers to remove the tire by carefully prising it over one side of the wheel rim
  3. Take off the old inner tube and discard (you can also patch this at a later date as a useful spare)
  4. Check inside the wheel rim for any sharp objects, such as glass or thorns, which could have popped the original tube
  5. Fit the new deflated tube onto the wheel rim and slot the valve through the hole in the wheel rim
  6. Loosely fit the new tire over the wheel rim
  7. Partially inflate the inner tube (25%-30% volume)
  8. Fit the tire inside both wheel rims and check that it is not pinching the inner tube
  9. Fully inflate the tube and check for a few minutes that it is holding its pressure
  10. Re-attach the wheel in the forks with the quick-release bolt, ensuring that the wheel axle is correctly sitting in the forks and the bolt is firm

Conclusion

Twenty bucks or thereabouts is approximately how much it costs to get a repair shop to fix a flat bike tire.

Trouble is that, even if you’ve got the money handy, there might not be a handy repair shop when you get a puncture!

With a little knowledge and a few tools, however, you can carry out the repair for yourself whether you’re at home or deep in the backcountry.

The alternative? A long walk home pushing a bike with a flat tire.

Not fun.

Get a spare tube, grab a couple of tools, maybe print out these instructions. Then keep the lot in a jersey pocket or a saddle bag and you’ll be ready for action.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bike Tire?

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Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

Part of maintaining your bicycle is replacing its bike tires. Even though bike tires are made to be durable and long-lasting, there will come a time that you need to replace them. It will keep the overall performance of your bicycle at the optimum level.

But, how much does it cost to replace a bike tire? Depending on your bike needs, a bike tire usually costs from $15 to $150. The brand also affects the bike tire replacement cost.

Table of Contents

  • How to Choose Good Bike Tires
    • 1. Type of bike
    • 2. Bike weight
    • 3. Bike quality
    • 4. Brand
    • 5. Features
    • 6. Size
    • 7. TPI
    • 8. Rolling resistance
  • Bike Tire Price Guide
    • 1. Low-end bike tire
    • 2. Mid-range to high end bike tire
    • 3. High end bike tires
  • Conclusion

How to Choose Good Bike Tires

1. Type of bike

Bikes have specific bike tire requirements. For instance, you cannot install a small-sized tire to large bikes. The tire cannot accommodate the weight of the bicycle, making it hard to use on the road. Basic tires, which fit into commuting bikes, cost $30 to $40.

Road bikes, on the other hand, require compact and narrow tires. You normally use these on highways with flat tracks, so they do not require extra features for durability and do not cost as much. You can find road bike tires for $25.

For mountain bikes, tires showcase strength and resilience since they venture rocky and challenging terrains. You use them for adventure cycling, thus, they also need to bedurable. You will find these kind of tires with prices from $80 to $150.

Then, you have the hybrid types, which usually cost around $50. Tires for children’s bike and BMX requiring small wheels are cheaper at $15 to $25.

2. Bike weight

The bike weight also affects your new bike tire cost. If you have heavier equipment, it is crucial you find tires that accommodates the bulky equipment. The tires must be resilient and durable. It must have strength and elasticity to withstand rough and hard terrains.

3. Bike quality

The quality of the equipment has a direct affect on the pricing of the tires you need. When you are using a high-standard bicycle, more often than not, s a similar standard of bike tires is required. Quality increases the tire requirement as well as the cost.

Of course, choosing high-quality bike tires is ideal. Strong and durable tires can go a long way compared to low-cost ones. It is worth spending on premium bike tires given the longevity it provides.

4. Brand

Oftentimes, brands correspond to quality. If you want to invest in bicycle tires, brands matter. You should select a good brand with outstanding reputation in the cycling industry. High-end brands offer warrant and after-sales service.

  • Panaracer – This is one of the most popular tire brands. It offers high quality products at a very affordable price. Some of its items are the Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Panaracer Fire Cross Comp, or Panaracer Race A Evo3.
  • Fastaway – If you are looking for the best brand, Fastaway is the number one choice. Most of its products are great for racers and recreational riders. It has the Country Road Race Performance Tire, which is the best tire chosen by competitive racing cyclists.
  • Vittoria – This brand has been in business since 1960. It offers the Vittoria Zaffiro Pro, Vittoria Zaffiro Slick, and other high quality bicycle tires.
  • Dugast – This is a French brand known for its exceptional bike tires for recreational and professional use. Its best products are the Vélocross Touring F, Dugast Ghibli Team F, Dugast Ghibli Team SL, and Dugast Ghibli Team 3.

5. Features

Like any other product, bike tires come with several features. Some products offer a good grip, strength and durability, high speed, and high mileage. The more features you want, the higher the cost.

6. Size

Before replacing your bike tires, it is crucial to measure the bike rim size to know the cost to replace a bicycle tire. For a regular road bike, you can use a 700 tire as it can easily mount to 700c rims, which are normal for road bikes. If you are using smaller road bike or gravel bikes, go with the 650b tire size.

Mountain bikes normally use 27.5 inch tires or 650b size. You can also use 29 inch wheels depending on your preference. It is important that you conduct a brief research or ask a bicycle shop staff about the tire size needed for your specific bike type.

7. TPI

TPI or treads per inch is also an important factor to consider when buying bicycle tires. The TPI indicates the number of individual threads of nylon or cotton on the tire casing. If you choose a tire with lower TPI casings, you will observe fewer and thicker threads on the tire.

Meanwhile, tires with higher TPI casings usually have a greater number of threads with thinner features. Basically, most cyclists choose higher TPI bike tires because they provide a comfortable ride feel and has strong rolling resistance. However, compared to tires with lower TPI, they are sensitive and respond faster to punctures.

8. Rolling resistance

Rolling resistance or Crr refers to the energy lost when your bike tire rolls across a surface or terrain. If you are constantly biking on hard surfaces, the tire will always be in contact with the road causing deformity.

Rolling resistance corresponds to factors like construction, rubber compound used for the tire thread, inflation, and width of both the tire and the tread. If your priority is rolling resistance, pick a bike tire with higher tread counts.

It has better rolling resistance compared to tires with lesser number of tread. For road bike use, a minimal tread count with flexible casing is sufficient.

Bike Tire Price Guide

To give you a clearer picture about the cost to change a bike tire, here is a simple price guide:

1. Low-end bike tire

Low-end bike tires, typically manufactured in China or Taiwan, for replacement will only cost you $12 to $50 per pair. They are are only ideal for recreational purposes and cannot be used for road bike adventures. Since they are the cheapest kinds, quality can be compromised.

2. Mid-range to high end bike tire

If you have some cash to spend, and do not want to compromise quality, you can choose tires from this category. These can fit entry level mountain bikes. They are already durable and can last for a longer period of time with proper maintenance. These tires cost around $20 to $70 per pair.

3. High end bike tires

For those heavily invested in cycling as a sport, you must pick the best quality bike tires. These typically cost $75 to $150 per pair. They are made by big bike brands and are made in Europe, Japan, or the United States.

They are the most preferred types of every bike athletes. These tires are made of premium quality materials, resilient, powerful, and durable. You can also expect the tires to last longer because they can withstand punctures.

Conclusion

Bicycle tire is a crucial element that can affect the performance of your bike. You have to pick the appropriate and most excellent bike tire for your equipment. Since there are a wide range of products available in the market, you can get confused about the right costing of a bike tire when you need replacement.

Good thing, this guide on how much does it cost to replace a bike tire gives you the information on how to properly choose bike tires as well as the bicycle tire replacement cost. We also mentioned about the best brands for your reference.

Gary Johnson

“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”

Bicycle repair prices in St. Petersburg / Bicycle maintenance in St. Petersburg


Name and scope of work performed

Cost, rub. The service also includes the first free maintenance within a month after assembly.

1500

Transmission, bottom bracket, pedals

Crankset replacement with pedal reset

600

Replacement of the rear switch (with adjustment)

700

Replacement of stars (including removal/installation of the connecting rod)

replacement of the carriage/cartridge (including removal/installation of connecting rods)

replacement of pedals

300

Front derailleur replacement (incl. chain removal and installation)

800

Rear derailleur roller replacement

300

Shift cable jacket replacement

400

replacement of rattles / cassettes

400

end / lubrication of shirts without saving the cable

400 9000 side (includes shift adjustment, but does not include brake adjustment)

800

Adjustable shifter replacement (1 side)

700

Split bottom bracket overhaul (only if replacement is not possible)

from 1200

Adjustment of the front/rear switch

450

Repair/replacing the chain with length adjustment

400

Lubrication of the shirt of the switch cable without removal

9000 with removal and washing

600

Transmission cleaning (includes surface cleaning of stars and washing of the chain with dismantling)

1100

Transmission washing with complete dismantling (includes dismantling of all transmission components)

2000

Washing transmission with full dismantling and switching to paraffin lubricant (includes dismantling all components of the transmission)

2500

Removal of a collapsible carriage of

400 9000 bicycle)

800

Cleaning and lubricating the shifter (includes blowing the shifter with high pressure air and lubricating without disassembling the shifter body)

500

Brake system

Hydraulic brake replacement incl. Safeing the hydrolyania, pumping, adjustment (one side)

1400

Replacing or shortening the hydrolyania with pumping (1 side)

1000

Replacement of a potassium disc brake with an adjustment of

800 9000 adjustable (one side)

600

Replacing front/rear rim brake

700

Replacement of the brake cable shirt

400

Brake disk replacement (rotor)

300

Brake -handed handle replacement (1 side. Dismantling and installation of flu and configuration)

9000

Replacing hydraulic potassium/ handles (1 side, including removal and installation of grips, adjustment and bleeding)

1100

Brake cable replacement (without adjustment)

300

Correction of brake disc curvature (excluding the cost of adjustment)

from 300

Mechanical cleaning of the brake disk with a dismantling

600

pumping of the hydraulic brake (including trading liquid) (1 side)

800

Adjustment of the front/rear rim brake

9000 400

Adjustment/posterior adjustment disc brake

300

Cable sheath lubrication (without removal)

200

Trim disc brake mounts

500

Brake disc (rotor) cleaning (without removal)

300

Replacement of a potassium of a hydraulic disk brake with adjustment and pumping

1100

Perenoption of a potassium discharge brake potassium

Perenoption of a potassium/handle of a hydraulic disk brake

9000

9000 "eight") (NOT including tire fitting)

from 600

Rear hub drum overhaul on balls (includes additional hub overhaul)

2000

Boil of the rear wheel sleeve with a grease without a drum, taking into account the removal/installation of rattles/cassettes

1000

Boil of the front wheel with a lubricant

600

Breeding the rear sleeve (if there are hills)

from 1000

Bulkhead of a single-speed road hub with foot brake

1000

Bulkhead of the front hub on industrial bearings (if bearings are present)

600

Re-spoke (rim/hub/spoke change) without spokes (NOT incl. tire fitting, cassette/ratchet/brake disc removal/installation)

1600

Re-spoke (rim/hub/spoke change) with retain

1800

Rim and hub selection

300

Front hub cone adjustment

rear hub adjustment3 ratchet/cassette installation)

600

Tire service (tube / tire change): on the rear wheel of a bicycle with foot brake / with planetary hub / with additional wheels

600

Tire service (tube / tire change): wheel with nuts (replacement tube/tire): eccentric wheel

400

0004

700

Converting to a tubeless tire (not including materials)

1000

Wheel assembly using a strain gauge (category 1). Includes the assembly of the wheel from individual components. It is performed using a strain gauge (a device for determining the tension on the spokes around the entire perimeter of the rim). Includes free needle pulling for 2 weeks after assembly.

2000

Wheel assembly using a strain gauge and nipple clamp (category 2). Includes assembly of the wheel from individual components, as well as broaching performed within a month after the assembly of the wheel. Nipple washers and/or nipple threadlocker may be used during assembly. It is performed using a strain gauge (a device for determining the tension on the spokes around the entire perimeter of the rim). Includes free needle pulling for 2 weeks after assembly.

2300

Rama, steering column, fork

External cleaning/lubrication of the shock -absorption fork

200

Sprinkling of the thread on the threaded rod of the fork

300 per 1 cm. Threads

Replacement of the cycle fork (vkl. Removal

1500

Replacing the steering column with pressing out the cups

1000

Threading 1, 1 1/8 on the threadless fork stem

400 per 1 cm. Threads

Breeding a steering column with a lubricant of

700

Selection and replacement of the rear switch “Petukha”

500

Adjustment of the pressure in the air spring of the front/rear shock absorber

9000

Regulation/adjustment/adjustment/adjustment/adjustment/adjustment repair of the folding mechanism

from 200

Repair (editing) of the cock rear derailleur bracket *No warranty

400

Installing the anchor in the fork stem

300

Elimination of the steering column play

300

Control elements

Roll replacement (VCL Installation/Dismantling of MANETS, MANETS, BODING PRIENTS FOR SPARITIONALLY)

9000

9000 500

Grip change (pair) without saving

200

Grip change (pair) with save

400

Seat change

300

Front shock absorber zero maintenance

1500

that front shock absorber I - category (spring ammoretors)

1500

The front shock absorber II - category (shock absorbers with air spring) (Dpry maintenance is not included)

9000

Complete the front shock -absorption with an air spring

from 2500

Locksmith work

Restoration (running) of the bottom bracket thread on the frame without body kit

600

Restoring (driving) the thread with a pedal tap in an aluminum crank

400

Restoring (running) the thread with a tap for a pedal in a steel crank (if the crank cannot be replaced)

600

Restoring the thread in the crank by installing a 900 repair sleeve 9003 900

Manufacture of a "rooster"

from 2000 (from 5 working days)

Locksmith work (standard hour)

1200

Complicated replacement of the carriage with the need to restore the thread of the bottom bracket shell

dated 2000

shortening of the seatpost

400

Corruption of the steering wheel

600

shortening the rod of the plug

400

Complex work / Maintenance 9000

Replacement of the frame (dismantling, tuning equipment with regulatory)

4500

Complete overhaul of the bike with detailed washing, lubrication and adjustment of all serviceable components (except for the shock absorber overhaul)

6000

Packing the bike in a box or bag for transportation (includes packing material, as well as detailed advice when transporting the bike) except for threaded connections inside the fork, shock, telescopic seatposts, shifters - in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer)

1000

Complete bicycle wrap (excluding material cost)

2500

Partial bicycle wrap (excluding material cost) wheels, complete cleaning and lubrication of the transmission with the dismantling of individual components (rear derailleur, cassette, system), if necessary, as well as the removal of traces of adhesive tape, bitumen, stickers and other stubborn stains.

5000

Installation of bicycle Axuars

Installation of trunk

from 600

installation of wings (uncomplicated) (includes the set of wings without the need to finalize (drill, cutting threads, etc.) of the wing itself or frame)

500

Installation of wings (complicated) (includes installation of a set of wings with modification (drilling, threading, etc.) of the wing or frame itself.)

from 500

Installation of the holder of the flask

200

Installation of the children's chair

from 700

Installation of additional wheels

of 400

Installation of the rear switch

100

installation of protection on the front star

of 200

9000

100

Installing the mirror (without removing the grip)

200

Installing and programming the bike computer

from 700

Installation of the basket

dated 400

installation of the footboard

200-500

Installation of horns

Installation of lighting equipment (pcs. )

dated 100

Delivery, departure of the master

Delivery of a bicycle from the client to the workshop and back

from 1000

Departure of a mechanic (within St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region)

from 1000

Delivery of a bicycle from the client to the workshop or back

from 500

Repair of bicycle tire tube

The need for tire repair arises if the pressure in the cycle chamber is not kept, it drops at a noticeable speed. In this case, the rolling resistance of the wheel increases significantly, and the rim begins to hit the micro-roughness of the track. Unfortunately, from a puncture to

The need for tire repair arises if the pressure in the cycle chamber is not kept, it drops at a noticeable speed. In this case, the rolling resistance of the wheel increases significantly, and the rim begins to hit the micro-roughness of the track. Unfortunately, no cyclist is immune from a tire puncture.

Causes of a bicycle wheel puncture

Tire failures can be caused by manufacturing defects and mechanical damage. Mechanical damage includes cuts and punctures. The following damages are the result of manufacturing defects: stratification of the thread, rupture of the thread, rupture of the seam at the single-tube, delamination of the tread. A piece of wire, a sharp stone or a piece of glass, a nail, and the like can pierce the tire and the chamber. The chamber can be cut by the wheel rim when it hits an obstacle hard. Sand that has fallen under the tread will eventually lead to a hole in the bike chamber. If this happens far from home, during a trip or a tourist run, then you have to rely only on your own strength. With a certain skill, it is possible to repair the bicycle wheel chamber in 15-30 minutes. To do this, you must have at least a complete first-aid kit. However, of course, only in the workshop will they be able to guarantee a high-quality result of the repair.

Procedure for repairing the inner tube