Bicycle Mechanics - Do you have any Tire Mounting "Tricks"

I have no problems getting the tire on the rim, it's just getting it to be evenly seated on the rim. It visually appears like like a hop in the rim if you know what I mean (when you spin the tire). I have reseated it, only to have the "hop" change locations. I've tried over inflation with a little success as well as massaging the tire bead in the area where the hop is.
Should I try a little soapy water on the bead first?

Thanks in advance

I usually inflate the tire to about 15psi then roll while pressing it firmly to the ground. There should be lines around the tire near the rim so you can tell where it is not seated all the way. Then I inflate it to riding pressure. Some times there is still a bit of hop but the tire seats it's self once I get to riding.

If I'm having problems with a tire like this, I just inflate slowly a little at a time and look for when the trouble spot starts forming. After rolling the tire to find any trouble spots, I then play around with that area of the tire until it seems to be seated right. I inflate slowly again, check for more problems, fix whats needed, and inflate again. Good luck!

-Moab

Originally posted by Ti-Carbo
I have no problems getting the tire on the rim, it's just getting it to be evenly seated on the rim. It visually appears like like a hop in the rim if you know what I mean (when you spin the tire). I have reseated it, only to have the "hop" change locations. I've tried over inflation with a little success as well as massaging the tire bead in the area where the hop is.
Should I try a little soapy water on the bead first?

Thanks in advance

One thing comes to mind, are you certain you're not getting a kink in the tube? (Put it in slightly inflated so it holds it's shape.) If the tube is uneven under the tire it's not going to apply even pressure when you inflate it (you're also going to probably get a lot of flats).

John

A little soapy water, as you mentioned, will help a lot if it isn't seating well.

Thanks for the replies!
I've tried slow inflates, massaging as you slowly pump the tire, and I've made sure the tube is slightly inflated. I always make sure there are a few pounds in the tube to prevent mounting pinches. This is a 100psi 26" slick on a crossmax wheel with the UST valve removed. The back tire was a bugger, but I have it "centered". The front is the issue. Tomorrow I'll try a little soapy water. I don't notice it riding, but I see it when I have it on my stand...

I'll follow-up with the results.
Thanks again

Make sure the valve is not caught beneath the bead. When the tyre is on, push the whole valve in, seat the beads, pump up the tyre a bit, then pull the valve down onto the seated beads.

Spin the rim without the tyre , the "hop" may be in the rim :(

Soapy Water, and over inflating usually does the trick. If not, I inflate slightly and man handle the tire. If there is a high spot on the tire, there is also a low spot, roll, pull, tug, bite (j/k). If that doesn't work, soften up your suspension (j/k again!).

L8R

I just flex my arms and start pushing...I have only had a problem with one tire and it was a mtb skinny slick about 7 years ago...that was a beast...

I just usually intimidate it on...If you cuss enough, loud enough, eventually, the tire will just give up, like, "whoa buddy, I don't want no trouble. I'll get on the rim" This usually takes longer, but it is simpler then these other methods mentioned.

Originally posted by Maelstrom
I just flex my arms and start pushing...I have only had a problem with one tire and it was a mtb skinny slick about 7 years ago...that was a beast...

Thats what this is. No hop in the rim at all. I had it on my trueing stand and its ultra-straight. I haven't tried re-mounting it yet, but I will soon. It's a beast no doubt about it! I think some of the issue is that it's a UST crossmax and this is a non UST tire. I had it mounted on a Bontrager rim without issue. Thanks for all the replies!

Soapy water, working it like a dog with a bone, and 120psi did the trick.
Thanks for the replies!