Getting a flat tire is not fun, especially when you are far away from your home. The good news is you can easily fix a flat tire on your beach cruiser.
How do you fix a flat tire on a cruiser bike? Simply follow these steps:
- Get all necessary bike repair tools
- Flip cruiser upside down
- Remove back tire with appropriate tools
- Deflate the tire completely
- Remove the inner tube
- Install new inner tube
- Inflate tire to recommended pressure
- Reinstall tire to frame
I created a step-by-step guide to fixing a flat that shows you how to remove a rear bike tire and also how to remove a front bike tire. These instructions were created for single-speed cruisers. You should be able to apply these general instructions to fixing a flat on a multi-speed cruiser as well.
What Tools Do You Need?
Before we get started, let’s check out some helpful tools you can use to make changing a flat easier. Note that a tire lever is an option because you could just as well use your finger to disengage the tire from your rim.
Box End Wrench or Allen Wrench
Tire Lever (optional)
You will definitely need a wrench and screwdriver. Some cruisers may require an Allen wrench instead. Now you are armed and ready to fix your flat tire.
How to Fix A Flat Rear Tire on A Beach Cruiser
Here is a quick list of steps to follow to fix the rear tire on your cruiser. Take your time and make sure to complete each step before moving on to the next.
How to change the back tire on a beach cruiser is very simple to do. This will take no more than 15 minutes.
Step 1 – Flip Your Cruiser Upside Down
Before you begin working on removing your tire, flip your bike over so it remains in a sturdy, upright position that rests on your handlebars and seat. This will provide a stable base so your cruiser does not move while you are working.
Step 2 – Remove The Back Tire
Removing the back tire will make things a lot easier for you when changing the inner tube. Start by loosening the coaster brake bolts and axle nuts that connect the tire to the frame. You do not have to completely remove each bolt. You can loosen just enough to pop the tire off and then let the bicycle chain hang.
Step 3 – Remove All Air From The Tire
If the tire is not already flat, remove any air by pressing the valve nipple with your screwdriver. This will make it easier for you to remove the inner tube.
Step 4 – Remove Inner Tube
Use your tire lever to remove the tire. You can do this by sliding it between the tire and rim all the way around the wheel until the tire is disengaged. You can now reach inside the tire and remove the inner tube. Discard the damaged inner tube.
Step 5 – Installing Tube
Buy some new bike inner tubes and tires (sometimes your tire might get punctured as well) for your cruiser. Before installing the inner tube, pump some air into it so it forms the shape of a circle.
Locate the valve opening on your rims and thread the valve of the tube through the opening. Feed the tube the rest of the way around the rim and into the tire. Use your tire lever to secure the tire inside the wheel rim.
Step 6 – Inflate The Tire
Inflate the tire to the specified pressure. Your tire should look full and remain tightly in line with the rim.
Step 7 – Reinstall the Rear Tire To Your Frame
Place the rear tire in its original position making sure the coaster frame is aligned and the chain is properly connected. The chain should be tight. Make sure washers are next to the axle nuts on the outside of the frame for both sides.
Now reattach the coaster brake with the bolt and nut using your wrench. Make sure the tire is center-aligned before tightening.
Below are instructions for fixing a flat front tire on your beach cruiser. Note that it is very similar to fixing your rear tire.
How to Fix A Flat Front Tire on a Beach Cruiser
Below I have listed the steps to take to fix your flat front tire. They are very simple to follow.
Please be sure to complete each step before moving on to the next one. It should take you no longer than 15 minutes to complete. Please be safe.
Step 1 – Flip Your Cruiser Upside Down
In order to stabilize your cruiser while you fix the flat tire, you must flip your bike upside down so it rests on the handlebars and bike seat. This creates a stable base and working environment to easily remove and reinstall your tire.
Step 2 – Remove Front Tire
Start by loosening the front wheel axle nuts that connect the tire to the frame. Once loose, remove the front tire from the axle frame.
Step 3 – Remove All Air From Tire
If the tire is not already flat, remove any air by pressing the valve nipple with your screwdriver. This will enable you to reach inside the tire and remove the inner tube.
Step 4 – Remove The Flat Inner Tube
Use your tire lever to shimmy the tire off of the rim so you can easily reach the inner tubing. You can do this by sliding the lever between the rim and tire all the way around the wheel until it is disengaged.
Now you can reach inside and remove the tube. Discard the damaged tube in the trash.
Step 5 – Installing The New Inner Tube
After purchasing your new inner tubes and bike tires (if necessary), pump some air into the inner tube so it forms the shape of a circle. Locate the valve opening on your rims and thread the valve of the tube through the opening.
Feed the rest of the tube around the rim and into the tire. Use your tire lever to secure the tire inside of the rim throughout the entire wheel.
Step 6 – Inflate Tire
Inflate the tire to the specified PSI. It should fit tightly around the rim. Feel around the wheel for any air leaks.
Step 7 – Reinstall The Tire To Your Frame
Replace the tire in its original position making sure it is aligned with the bike frame. Secure the front wheel axle to frame. Make sure that the washers are next to axle nuts and remain on the outside of the frame for both sides. Tighten the axle nuts with your wrench.
Now you know how to remove your front and rear tires on your beach cruiser. These instructions will come in handy when changing your tires or repairing flats or replacing your bike chain.
Remember that flipping your bike upside down will keep it stable while working. You will need some of the tools mentioned in this post so make sure to purchase those ahead of time. Also, for more bike maintenance guidance, check out my post on how to adjust your cruiser for the perfect fit.