How much does it cost to replace a bicycle tire [Do I even really need to replace the bicycle tire?]

If I had 5 cents for every bicycle tire, I have replaced I would almost be able to afford a cup of coffee in San Francisco after my ride. There are just so many times and opportunities for the bicycle tire to go flat that I am beginning to understand why tubeless tires are becoming more of an option amongst road bikes. How much does it cost to replace a bicycle tire? For almost every bicycle on the road, it will cost you about $20 to replace a bicycle tire. The real question is Do you really need to replace it? Also, can you do it your self?If you’re interested in the other two answers, then read on. Because chances are… you don’t need to replace the tire, and chances are if you need to replace the tire you can do it yourself.

In this post we will go over the cost to replace a bicycle tire. You will learn about the one tool that you need (if any unless you own a road bike) to replace your bicycle tire. We will go over how easy it is to learn to replace your bicycle tire and go over how long bicycle tires last. We will also go over if it’s really your tube that needs replacing and not your tire. By then end of this post, you should understand what is going on with your tire and tube so that you will feel knowledgeable when talking to a bicycle technician about what’s going on. 

How much does it cost to replace a bicycle tire?

It costs about $20 to replace a bicycle tire. There may be extra things that you have to purchase depending on why you are replacing your tire.

• Are you replacing an old tire? Tires that are many years old can have the rubber fail on them and will simply pop in a similar fashion to the innertube. Your total cost will be the cost of the tire ($25-$50) plus the installation cost for a total of $45-$70.
• Do you have a flat tire? Chances are you rolled over something thorny. You don’t need to replace the tire, but you do need to replace the tube. The cost of the tube from the local bike shop is typically $10 plus the cost of installation for a total of $30.

Do I have to replace my bike tire or just the tube?

From the above example, here is how and why you will need to replace your tube, just the tire, or both.

• You are riding and a piece of glass, thorn, or rock is stuck in your tire and tube. The tire goes flat. You will locate the glass, thorn, or rock, pull it out of the tire and tube, and only replace the tube, not the tire.
• You are inflating your innertube and you hear a large pop that sounds like a gunshot. Your tire is on the bike. This is a sign that there is a hole in the tire and the tube found its way through. Replace both the tube and the tire.
• You have not ridden your bike in 7 years and your family decides to come for a visit. You look at your tire and it is browning on the edges where it connects to the rim. Replace the tire. You may also want to replace the tube.

Are bike tires easy to replace?

Yes, bike tires are easy to replace. If you have a road bike with a skinny tire, then you will need a tire lever to get the tire off. It is very difficult without a lever, and you will hurt your thumbs. Most other bicycles do not need a tire lever to get the tire off and on (including many electric bicycles.) If you know how to do this, which is very easy to learn through YouTube University, then you can save about $20 in the replacement fee. Many cyclists carry a bike lever and extra tubes with them should they need to replace a tire while in the middle of a bike ride.

How long does bicycle tire last?

A bicycle tire will last 5-10 years depending on conditions and if left sedentary and in storage. If it is left in a dry environment where the tire is constantly full, the tires life will decline, and the rubber will degrade to where it will eventually pop from the pressure in the innertube. However, if the tire ids kept up, it will outlast this time. Cyclists who use the bike more often will not see this type of lifespan due to major wear and tear and increased mileage on the bicycle. 

Do I need to replace my tire?

The way to know if you need to replace your tire is:

• Look for signs of wear: Look closely at the tire. Is the rubber in disrepair? Is the light starting to fade from the once proud shiny black color to a light red or brown color? This is a sign that the rubber is losing its integrity and will need replacing.
• Is your tread low? This is not a sign to replace a tire: Bike tires are not like car tires. The tread wearing down is not a sign to replace the tire or that the tire may be weaker. There are other signs to look out for though.
• Sidewall Fray: Sidewall fray is a sign that the sides (typically the thinnest part of the tire) are losing their integrity. Increased pressure from riding the bike and the innertube will cause the tire to pop. It is loud when this happens.
• Time: If your bicycle is old, do yourself and anyone riding a safety favor and just replace the tires. There may be no visual signs though the rubber will degrade over time – like a rubber band’s ability to maintain its strength after sitting around for years.

Conclusion

How much does it cost to replace a bicycle tire? About $20, plus the cost of the tube and tire should you need it. It is also a great skill to learn to replace a tube and a tire. Many cyclists know how to do this should they find themselves on the side of the road in a pinch.