Any tips on how to align a front bicycle tire after taking it off via quick release?

Question

I have a roof rack that i carry the bicycle on. I find it difficult to reassemble the tire to the frame, and avoid rubbing against the brake.

Answer 1

If you have disc brakes, put the tire on and then engage the brake. While the brake is still engaged tighten the QR, release the brake. Give the tire a spin and you should be good to go. Use an elastic band or your foot to engage the brake while the bike is upside down.

If you have cable disc brakes hanging or turning your bike upside down is fine. Bikes with Hydraulic disc brakes should not be hung upside down for an extended period of time. Air will creep out of the reservoir and into the lines. Turning your bike upside down for the few moments it takes to put your wheels on, I think, is not going to amount to a hill of beans.

Answer 2

When you drop your fork into the tire, push a little bit on the fork before tightening up the QR. If what you feel is having the disc rotor rubbing the pads, probably the caliper itself might be misaligned. Take it to a good mechanic.

Also, sometimes it helps to lub the brake cylinder. You need to:
1.Remove the pads
2.With a screw diver keep pressure on one piston, and have a friend pull gently on the brake level.
3.This will make the piston out. It's important that you do it slowly.
4.Make sure that the piston is clean with a cloth.
5.Put some chain lube on the piston itself. don't drown the piston in oil, just a bit.
6.Push the piston back in with the screwdriver.
7.Do the same for the other piston.
8.Put the pads back in.

You only need to do it once. I did and my brakes have been without squealing like pigs when running.

Answer 3

Just a tip, if you have disk breaks you shouldn't be putting your bike upside down. Try getting new skewers that may help you put the tire in straight.

Answer 4

When you put it on, make sure it is straight. It shouldn't be that hard, I used to do it all the time when I was 12.

Answer 5

no