Toyman080

So I took my rear wheel off for the first time and it took like 20 minutes. Then another 15 to get the other wheel back on. I Put the chain on the smallest chainring in front and biggest in back. Then I try to push the thing below that the chain runs through (sorry I dont know the names of some things) and that takes the longest. Then which way do I pull the wheel out. Down, back, Down and back? Is there an easy way I should be doing this?

laduckslayer

The little plastic wheels on the outside of the frame have to come off first

Patriot

Actually, to get the most slack in the chain, I find it is easiest to be small front, small back (but doesn't have to be). Removing it and replacing just takes practice. Also make sure you release the tension on the brake caliper before trying to remove and replace the wheel, or it will get hung up. Try to find someone at a local bike shop to show you. That would be best instead of trying to explain every detail here by typing it out.


Good luck.

P.S. That thing on the back that the chain goes through, it's called a Rear Derailleur.

johnny99

Watch the movie "American Flyers". Rae Dawn Chong changes Kevin Costner's rear wheel in less than 10 seconds.

Do you have quick releases? If so, there is no reason for this to take you more than a minute. The hardest part is remembering which gear you were in so you can put the chain back on the same gear when you re-install the wheel.

Toyman080

Its a LeMond Etape, so im not sure what you mean by quick releases, but for the tension on the brake caliper, can I leave it open? Because on my new wheel the pads rub is i close it again.

rufvelo

Remember when removing rear wheel - smaller or an outer sprocket/cog is easier to work with. When you say 'another 15 to get the other wheel back on' - is this the same rear wheel or a different one. If different wheel and wider, the frame spacing may not allow it without some frame-work!

But as others have said - practice. You should be able to remove and put back the same wheel in a minute.

Loosen skewer enough - you may need to unwind the nut not just open the arm,
The wheel slides down, front and out. If it gets stuck - check brakes. With fat tires and V/Canti brakes you need to open the brake. (not dismantle brake, just lift wire + noodle up/out of the clip thingy)
Wheel goes back just as easy.
Make sure lower chain from derailler pulleys is swung around skewer and below axle.
Wheel axle goes a little to the front and the chain rests on the same gear/sprocket/cog you took it off earlier.
Wheel should slide back and up just like that with little force- don't fight it too much.
If this doesn't work - your bike shop will be happy to demo for free.

May as well learn to remove tire and replace tube while you're there.

Smoothie104

with the bike upside down, i can remove my rear wheel, touch it to the ground, and re install it within 6 seconds

Toyman080

Never thought of that, I should try it. I did it for my second time with the bike on its side and did it in about 4 minutes so im getting better already. Thanks everybody.

hi565

well first off pick a side.

That means pick a gearing side, eithor have the chain the biggest chainring, and smallest cog or smallest chainring and largest cog. I personally prefer the first one. That will help you out alot! Instead of having to guess where the chain goes on the cogs you just put it on the end.

mscycler

I can just see you now out in your driveway practicing that...having your significant other timing you on the wristwatch...

mscycler

Drayko

Have you guys ever seen a race mech do a wheel change? I've heard ~6s for the front ~10s for the back. Although, their bikes don't have lawyer tabs.
As to getting faster, practice definately helps.

shaq-d

put the chain on the rear all the way to the smallest one, nearest the dropouts. the wheel will come off in 5 seconds.

sd

DannoXYZ 

I remember timing that one time... it was less than 5-seconds as I recall...

fmw

It will get your fingers a little dirty but I find the best way to install a rear wheel is to pull back on the derailleur cage and, with the other hand, push the sprocket up into the top of the chain from below. Then you can release the derailleur cate and pull the hub up into the dropouts. It shouldn't take more than a second more than doing a front wheel.