Improved assembly for removably securing an inflatable tire about a vehicle wheel includes a latching ring disposed in a circumferential receiving groove in the bead seat of the wheel adjacent the inner face of the tire bead. The latching ring includes a portion protruding above the bead seat for retaining the tire in place and a portion shearable by a force applied to the outwardly facing surface of the tire bead in excess of the force encountered during rotation of the vehicle wheel, whereby the tire may be removed without damage upon shearing of the shearable portion.