How to Use a CO2 Cartridge to Re-Inflate the Rear Wheel of a Road Bike

Step 1 How to Use a CO2 Cartridge to Re-Inflate the Rear Wheel of a Road Bike



• Removing the rear wheel of a road bike, generally, is quite easy, but it can be messy if the bike chain has excessive grease.
• Figure out which tire is flat. In this case, the rear wheel is flat.
Step 2



• Disengage the brakes.
• This will allow the wheel to slide out smoother.
Step 3
• To easily remove the rear wheel, flip the bike upside down so that it's sitting on the handle bars and seat.
Step 4
• Disengage the quick-release lever to loosen the wheel.
• Turn the quick-release lever a few times while you hold the cap on the opposite side of the wheel.
• Don't unscrew the lever or cap too much or else a spring will pop out.
• If the spring comes out, place the spring back on the bar and tighten the cap or lever.
Step 5
• Pull the wheel out.
• Pull the rear shifter into a straight line so the wheel will be able to slide out smoothly.
• Pull out the wheel with one hand while you hold the rear shifter.
• Be cautious with the rear shifter.
Step 6
• Now that the rear wheel is off the bike, use the tire lever to get under the tire.
• Once the tire lever is under the tire, bring it around the rim of the wheel slowly sliding the tire off wheel.
• Ideally, three tire levers are used to get the tire off. However, one tire lever has proven to be sufficient.
Step 7
• Pull out the inner tube.
• The valve should be the last thing that is pulled out from the wheel.
Step 8
• Replace inner tube or patch the hole if necessary.
Step 9
• Place the inner tube back inside the tire.
• Put the valve into the hole first, then bring the inner tube around the rim of the wheel.
• Using the tire lever, pry the tire back onto the wheel.
Step 10
• Now that the tire is back on the wheel, screw the adapter onto the CO2 cartridge and place it on the valve.
Step 11
• Press the CO2 cartridge towards the rim of the wheel.
• The inner tube inflates quickly, so hold the CO2 cartridge for a short period of time.
• The valve might freeze while doing this, but this is normal
Step 12
• Fit the wheel back onto the bike.
• Pull the rear shifter into a straight line and place the gears underneath the chain to slide into place.
Step 13
• Tighten the quick-release lever and close it.
• Twist the lever as you hold the cap on the opposite side as tight as possible.
• Re-engage the brakes.
• Turn the grey lever downwards on the brake, such as in step 2.
Step 14
• Pedal a little while the bike is lifted slightly off the ground to move the chain back into place.
• The chain was placed on a different chain ring when the rear tire was pulled out, so it needs to readjust.

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Christopher Tiran

Member since: 09/29/15

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Cal Poly, Team 17-1, Green Fall 2015 Member of Cal Poly, Team 17-1, Green Fall 2015

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