Hi! i am a highschool student and this is a bike i have. Know the basics of changing a bike tyre, but have no clue whats going on here- is this a really worn down bolt in the middle of the wheel? how do i remove the wheel/tire with the protection piece above the wheel there? please help!
by Bat_Wingz_onYT
6 Comments
The fender stays put, don’t worry about that. Do you have a photo of the other side of the wheel to show what the other end of the axle looks like?
It should not be connected to the wheel. Leave it on no problem. You want the other bolt.
Did you try putting air in the tire. It looks perfectly fine
This looks like a security skewer (the bit that through the frame in the middle of the wheel). They need a special small tool to undo. You can buy one for not much online (a few bucks) or any bike shop should help you undo and redo it
In one of your comments, you show the other side, which appears to be a regular “hex” or “Allen key” type bolt. This is a security bolt which requires a (likely 5 mm) Allen key to remove (as opposed to just having a lever).
I would highly recommend you [read this article from Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/tire-and-tube-removal-and-installation) on how to replace an inner tube. You may know how, but Park Tool is an excellent trusted resource, and it will make sure you’re not giving your classmates bad info!
Edit: the “protection piece” is actually called a “fender,” and you should be able to remove the wheel without interfering with the fender!
Is no one going to mention that the fender is on backwards?