Onewheel Tire Change

For most Onewheel riders, a Onewheel Tire Change will give their board a new and preferred handling feel. And, with many different tire sizes and profiles to choose from, there is a Onewheel Tire Upgrade to suit almost every rider.

Changing out your Onewheel’s tire is quite a simple Onewheel DIY Mod easily accomplished by anyone who is mechanically inclined. Full Warning Though, changing your Onewheel Tire will void the warranty and, if you make a mistake, it could possibly leave your Onewheel inoperable.

Why Change Your Onewheel Tire

Worn Out

The first and most common reason why you might want to change your Onewheel tire is it is worn out. In ideal situations, Vega tires are known to pass upwards of 2000 miles. However, abrasive terrains and inconsistent tire pressures often cause premature wear.

Better Traction

Another reason why you might want to change out your Onewheel tire is for increased traction on your favorite Onewheel terrain. There are many great options for both treaded and slick Onewheel tires. If you find yourself riding mostly trails then a treaded tire would give you the best traction over various terrain. Whereas, a slick will give the best traction on the pavement without sacrificing range.

Increased Handling

A third reason why you might want to change out your Onewheel tire is for increased handling. The rounder profile of some tire options allows for a smaller contact patch and less friction meaning less energy is required for turns and movement. You get a more agile board with more range! (extra range applies to slick tires only)

Choosing The Right Onewheel Tire

A Great Onewheel Tire Information Resource

There are many great tire options available to fit on your Onewheel. But, a problem some people might face is choosing the right Onewheel tire to suit their riding preferences. Read my Onewheel Tire Upgrade post for the best information to help you in Choosing The Right Tire For Your Onewheel.

Why I Chose The FlightFins Hoosier Slick Street “Whisper 6” Onewheel Tire

My go-to trail on my onewheel plus is an almost perfect full battery loop with a bit to spare for random detours. I had ordered and was ready to install the Burris 9606TX33, 11 X 6.0-6 Treaded Onewheel Tire and then FlightFins released the Hoosier Slick Street Whisper 6. This new tire comes with claims of an ultra-smooth ride and added range. So I quickly pulled the trigger on this new Onewheel specific tire.

How To Change A Onewheel Tire

Now for the fun part. This post is not quite a How-To change a Onewheel Tire but more a How-I did it. Even though, Keep reading for some great and helpful tips to help you with your Onewheel Tire Change. And, to see how I install a new FlightFins Hoosier Slick Street Onewheel Tire On My Onewheel Plus.

Installing A FlightFins Hoosier Slick Street “Whisper 6” Onewheel Tire On My Onewheel Plus

Tools And Materials

As far as DIY projects go, this one doesn’t require many specialized tools.

Removing The Onewheel Hub Motor Assembly

Removing the Onewheel Hub Motor Assembly was done in a few simple steps.

Accessing The Controller Plug Area

Using a Klein Multi Screwdriver with the correct size Allen bit, we removed our front Float Plate, then removed the controller plug area cover. I love this tool, it is very convenient, better than fiddling with the small Allen Wrench that comes with some Onewheel accessories.

Disconnecting The Footpad Sensor And Motor Connector

Next, we unplugged the Footpad and motor plugs. The footpad sensor had a twist lock. And the Motor Connector has a little slider and push tab that locks the plug in place.

Remove The Rail Cable Stays

There are three small Phillips Head screws holding the Cable Stays in place, I had to drill a hole in my sidekicks before removing them with a #01 Philips Head Screwdriver. Also, these screws are easily lost, I dropped one and spent 10 minutes looking for it!

Remove The Hub Bolts And Dropout The Motor

The Motor is held in place by four Allen bolts. Once they are removed the rails will just lift off, leaving the motor behind.

Getting The Old Tire Off The Onewheel Hub Motor Assembly

Getting the Vega tire off was quick and easy.

Remove The Valve Core To Completely Deflate The Tire

We removed the valve core using a Valve Core Tool. This allowed the tire to completely deflate.

Breaking The Bead

We used a set of Irwin Quick Clamps to squeeze the tire off the bead.

Prying The Tire Bead Off The Rim

Next, we used a set of Bike Tire Levers to pry the tire off the rim.

Installing The New FlightFins Hoosier Street

Use Bead Lube To Set The Bead On Your Onewheel Tire Change

Most Onewheel Tire Change guides say to use Windex or soapy water to help the tire bead set to the rim. I am going to recommend using Bead Lube as it is designed for just this purpose and works way better than the other two previously mentioned options!

Sliding The New Tire On To The Rim

I smeared a little Bead Lube onto the rim and tire Bead and it pushed on so easy!

Setting The Bead On The New FlightFins Hoosier Street

Before adding pressure we pasted more Bead Lube on the tire and rim. Then we set the pump to 30psi and hit go. Both beads set before the pump stopped, (about 28psi.)

Adding Onewheel Tire Slime

Adding Tubeless Tire Sealant (Tire Slime) To The Onewheel Tire

Once the bead was set I removed the pressure and added Slime brand tubeless tire sealant to the wheel. This will seal the tire bead as well as seal minor punctures throughout the life of the tire.

Reinstall The Valve Core And Inflate The Tire

The Milwaukee M12 lineup has a cordless compact inflator. This tool is perfect for easily inflating your Onewheel Tire to your preferred pressure. Just dial in your pressure and push go!

Reassembling The Onewheel

Reassembly after my Onewheel Plus tire change was as simple as….

Reinstalling the Wheel Assembly

Using the common star tightening pattern to torque the Hub Bolts.

Plugging In The Motor And Footpad Connectors

Remembering to lock them in with the locking mechanisms.

Replace The Cable Stays, Plug Covers, And Float Plates.

Being very cautious not to cross-thread or overtighten, I reinstalled the remaining parts.

Testing Out The New FlightFins Hoosier Street “Whisper 6” Onewheel Tire

Without a doubt, the new Hoosier Street Whisper 6 from FlightFins is an amazing tire! Direction changes are snappy and transitions through carves are smooth like butter. This tire gives confidence to really push your favorite maneuvers!

Once I put on some decent miles on this wheel you should expect a detailed review to follow.