Abstract: An improved wheel for a bicycle or similar vehicle has a segment in the rim of the wheel which is selectively removable from the usual circular path of the rim, creating a gap in the rim. The rim is then contracted to form a smaller circle. With the smaller diameter, a tire, with or without a tube, can be placed on, or removed from, the rim without the necessity to stretch or otherwise deform the tire or tube. The spokes are held with respect to the rim during contraction of the rim, so the spokes bow during contraction. A band extends around the rim to hold the spoke ends, and one end of the band spans the gap to maintain alignment of the rim so the rim is always circular.