If you are ready to replace a worn stock tire, install a better-performing setup, or explore useful Antic bike upgrades, this guide walks you through how to change both the front and rear tire on an Antic bike. We also have the full video in this post so riders can follow along visually while working through each step.
Whether you are swapping in a more comfortable street tire, improving grip, or upgrading with better Antic bike accessories, this process is very manageable at home with the right tools and a little patience. The rear is similar to a GT-style motor tire change, while the front adds a few extra steps because of the axle, spacers, and brake disc.
Watch the Full Antic Bike Tire Change Video
Why Upgrade Your Antic Bike Tires?
Changing the stock tires on an Antic bike is not just routine maintenance. It is one of the best Antic bike upgrades for ride comfort, traction, handling, and overall feel. The stock tires are known for very stiff sidewalls, which makes removal harder and ride quality less forgiving. Upgraded tires can deliver better flex, quieter riding, improved grip, and a smoother feel on the street.
If you ride pavement most of the time, a tire upgrade can make your Antic bike feel noticeably more planted, more compliant, and easier on your body.
Tools You Will Need for an Antic Bike Tire Change
Before you start, gather all your tools and set up a clean workspace.
- Torx Plus bits for the rear motor cover and axle bolts
- Sockets or wrenches for the front axle nuts
- Tire levers, preferably plastic
- Valve core removal tool
- Air compressor to seat the beads
- Tire sealant
- Optional channel locks or needle-nose pliers for the motor plug collar
- Optional bead breaker for easier tire removal
A bead breaker is especially helpful. Removing the stock tires is the hardest part of the job, and the right tools make a huge difference. You can pick up a bead breaker here.
How to Change the Rear Tire on an Antic Bike
Step 1: Flip the bike upside down
The easiest way to access both wheels is to flip the bike over and work with it upside down. This gives you direct access to the rear motor area and the front axle assembly.
Step 2: Remove the rear motor cable cover
Start at the rear. Remove the cover plate that protects access to the motor plug. There are four screws holding this plate in place. Set the screws somewhere safe so nothing gets lost during reassembly.
Step 3: Disconnect the motor plug
Locate the large rear motor plug and loosen the collar by turning it counterclockwise. If it is too tight to break loose by hand, carefully use channel locks or needle-nose pliers to help start it. Once loose, pull the plug straight out.
Step 4: Remove the rear axle bolts
Take out the four rear hub bolts, two on each side. These are Torx Plus, not standard Torx, so using the correct bit matters. Once the bolts are out, the rear motor and tire assembly can be lifted free. You can pick up a toolkit with the correct Torx Plus TP-30 bit here.
How to Remove the Front Tire on an Antic Bike
Step 5: Remove the front axle hardware
The front wheel is held in with nuts on both sides of the axle. Remove those nuts, then slide the axle bolt out. Keep track of the spacers as they come off. The small spacer belongs on the disc side, and the larger spacer belongs on the non-disc side.
Step 6: Remove the brake disc
To make the tire swap easier and safer, remove the front brake disc from the hub. This prevents you from banging your hands into the rotor and gives you more room to work. Remove the six screws to take the disc off.
How to Remove the Old Antic Bike Tires
Step 7: Remove both valve cores and deflate the tires
Use a valve core tool to remove the valve cores and let all the air out of both tires. This is the fastest way to fully deflate them before breaking the beads. Expect a little mess if tire sealant is already inside, which is the case on the tires from the factory.
Step 8: Break both beads
Once the tires are fully deflated, break the bead on both sides of each tire. A bead breaker is the easiest option. Be extra careful around the rear motor cable while doing this, because it rests near a sharp axle edge and can be damaged if handled roughly. If you do not have a bead breaker, you can break the bead by hand using the techniques shown here.
Step 9: Use tire levers to remove the rear tire
The stock tires are the hardest part of the entire job because of their very stiff sidewalls. Start on the non-motor-cable side of the rear wheel, which is the valve stem side. Use plastic tire levers to lift the bead over the rim, then work the tire off while pushing the opposite side into the center channel for leverage.
Step 10: Remove the front tire the same way
For the front tire, choose either side and repeat the process. Use two tire levers if needed and focus on angle and technique rather than brute force. Once one section of bead is over the lip, continue working the tire free from the hub.
Choosing Better Antic Bike Tire Upgrades
For a mostly street-focused Antic bike, this is a strong upgrade combination:
- Rear: GT Enduro, soft compound
- Front: Little Duro, soft compound
Why this setup works:
- The rear Enduro offers a wider, more stable feel and better ride comfort
- The front Little Duro is narrower and more rounded, which can improve steering feel
- Softer compounds can reduce harshness, improve grip, and quiet the ride
For riders researching Antic bike tire upgrades, this is a strong street-oriented setup to consider. But, there are many other tire options for the Antic Bike. Check them out here.
If you're looking for a bigger upgrade that offers more torque and sidewall, check out the MTE 5" hub. This gives your rear wheel a 5" rim, with higher torque, color options, and opens the door to 5" tires which have more sidewall.
How to Install the New Antic Bike Tires
Step 11: Check tire direction before mounting
If your new tire is directional, confirm tread orientation before installing it. Hold the hub in riding position first so you can line the tire up correctly.
Step 12: Push the new tire onto the hub
Quality replacement tires go on much easier than the stock tires come off. Start by inserting the hub into the tire at about a 45-degree angle, then work the bead over the hub lip. Repeat for both front and rear, taking care to position the rear motor on the correct side and protect the motor cable during handling.
Step 13: Seat the beads with compressed air
With the tires mounted, use an air compressor to seat the beads. If the tire does not inflate immediately, massage the tire and work out any gaps until the bead catches and pops into place. This step is much easier with fast airflow from a compressor than with a small hand pump.
Step 14: Add tire sealant
After the beads are seated, remove the valve cores again if needed and add sealant. One bottle of sealant is usually enough for both tires in normal riding conditions, though riders in areas with lots of glass, nails, or debris may prefer more.
Step 15: Reinstall the valve cores and inflate to your preferred PSI
Reinstall the valve cores and fill both tires to your desired pressure. Running the front slightly higher and the rear slightly lower can help balance sharper steering with easier wheelie control. A suggested rear range is roughly 15 to 25 PSI, depending on rider weight and feel.
Reinstalling the Wheels on the Antic Bike
Step 16: Reinstall the rear motor
Place the rear wheel back into position and reinstall the four rear hub bolts. Start all hardware finger-tight first, then tighten in a star pattern. Tighten these bolts securely because loose motor bolts can negatively affect ride quality. A small amount of thread locker can help if desired.
Step 17: Reinstall the front brake disc
Put the brake rotor back on using the six screws, again starting finger-tight and tightening in a star pattern so the disc seats evenly.
Step 18: Reinstall the front wheel with the correct spacers
Slide the axle back through the front wheel and reinstall the spacers in the correct locations.
- Small spacer: disc side
- Large spacer: non-disc side
Tighten the front axle hardware securely.
Step 19: Reconnect the rear motor plug and reinstall the cover
Insert the plug carefully, turn the collar until it locks, and avoid over-tightening. Once secure, reinstall the motor cable cover plate.
Step 20: Power on and test everything
Turn the bike on and confirm everything runs properly before heading out. That final check is the easiest way to catch a missed plug or loose connection before your first ride.
Antic Bike Tire Change Tips and Tricks
Protect the motor cable at all times
The rear motor cable is the most delicate part of the job. Avoid kinking it, crushing it, or pressing it against sharp edges.
Use plastic tire levers when possible
Plastic levers reduce the risk of rim damage if your angle is wrong or the tire fights back. Metal levers can work, but the margin for error is smaller.
Work on the floor for better leverage
Tire removal is easier on the ground, especially with something padded underneath. You get better body positioning and more leverage than working on a table.
Do not cut the old tire off
Do not cut the tire off in frustration. The bead contains a metal ring, and once the tire is cut, it can become even harder to remove cleanly.
New tires go on much easier than old ones come off
The hardest part is usually removing the stock tires. Once those are off, installing upgraded tires is much smoother.
Front and rear PSI can be tuned differently
A slightly firmer front can help steering response, while a slightly softer rear can make the ride more comfortable and help with wheelie control.
Shop Antic Bike Accessories, Tire Upgrades, Hubs, and Tools
If you are already changing your tires, this is the perfect time to upgrade the rest of your setup.
Our Antic Bike Accessories collection includes:
- Antic bike tire upgrades for better grip, comfort, and handling
- Hubs for riders looking to refine ride feel and performance
- Tools for tire changes, wheel service, and routine maintenance
- Tire sealant, valve tools, and workshop essentials for future swaps
Whether you are replacing worn stock rubber or building out a more dialed-in setup, the right Antic bike accessories can make maintenance easier and your bike more fun to ride.
Final Thoughts on Changing an Antic Bike Tire
If you have been putting off your first Antic bike tire change, the process is very doable with the right tools, some patience, and a clear step-by-step guide. The biggest challenge is getting the old stock tires off. Once that part is behind you, installing upgraded tires and dialing in your setup is much easier.
For most riders, swapping to better tires is one of the most worthwhile Antic bike upgrades you can make. It improves comfort, traction, and confidence while opening the door to other useful Antic bike accessories like hubs, tools, and maintenance gear.
