Road Cycling - Tires really difficult to install...

I've installed a lot of tires in my time, but today I installed Michelin Axial Bi-Sport foldables on Fir Net 97 rims and it was by far the most difficult setup I've ever had to deal with. Had to start using the tire levers with about 16" of bead remaining to go on. That can't be right, can it???

I'm just getting back into road riding, but in the past I don't remember any other road tire/rim combo being this tight. I don't look forward to repairing a flat on the road-side. Even with soapy water it was more difficult than I thought it should be.

Hurtin' thumbs...thankful for good tire levers...

This has happened to me before with a new pair of tires. However, I find that after they have been on the rim awhile,they strech and are much easier to get on and off. Hopefully the same happens to you.

-Matt-

folding tires are usually tougher to mount. Try some Tufo tubular clinchers if you want to redefine your world of pain into something truly difficult!

You didn't mention the size of the tire, but its been my experience that the thinner the tire the more difficult they are to mount. VAR makes some very good levers for this type of tire.

The tires are 700x23

RacerX- is it a workout installing the Tufo's? I like the idea of those...I guess I'd better start doing more thumb exercises:)

I find the best technique is to use the callused areas at the base of the fingers. More leverage can be used on the tire to help with installation. Good luck!

Make sure the tire bead is down in the center of the rim to give you every little bit of room.
In my experience, and this is legendary in bike shops, the worst combo ever is the Trek Matrix road rim and a Continental folding tire. They will make you cry.
My personal worst was the time I tried to mount a regular 26" tire on a Scwinn rim. I struggled for several minutes before I realized my error.

worst combo ever is the Trek Matrix road rim and a Continental folding tire

I had this combo and you are absolutely right. I always thought that the matrix rim was actually a larger diameter. Any tire I put on there is tight.

The easiest set-up I have is Open pro rims and Vittoria Corsa clinchers. What a pleasure to change, no effort.

Don't the engineers for these tire and rim companys have a clue or are they just sadists!

AH HA!!!

Bigwheel, I have Sun Venus rims and also had the Michelin Bi-axial Sport. Could never get the #@%$ things to mount easy even after a while of 'break in.'

I even broke the bead on one of em trying to get it on.

I switched to Continental 3000 and the things just slide right over the rim.

LBS said differant brands of tires with differant rim combinations will produce differant results.

My advice? Switch tires.

Digger

Thanks for the info fellas. I think I'll check first as to how tires fit before I buy them.

Digger- what bike shop do you deal with in NS? I've spent some time in NS...some of the best road riding in the country, IMO. Did some rides in the Annapolis Valley and also near Lunenburg.

Originally posted by Bigwheel

RacerX- is it a workout installing the Tufo's? I like the idea of those...I guess I'd better start doing more thumb exercises:)

You will work up a sweat getting tufos on! But, they don't have to be changed until you wear out the tire so it's worth it.
Yes the tufos are totally worth it!

Digger- what bike shop do you deal with in NS? I've spent some time in NS...some of the best road riding in the country, IMO. Did some rides in the Annapolis Valley and also near Lunenburg.

I mostly deal with Cyclesmith in Dartmouth actually. I do buy some things from MEC but usually clothes. I try to support the guys at the LBS but why pay $100 for a jersey when I can buy one at MEC for $60 and not be a moving billboard for Trek, Cannondale, Shimano, etc :-)

The riding is good in Nova Scotia but I live along the eastern shore and ride Musquodoboit area. Quiet roads, fine scenery.

If yer comin around here sometime send me a private message I'll take ya for a ride in da 'hood.

Digger

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Bigwheel

Had to start using the tire levers with about 16" of bead remaining to go on. That can't be right, can it???

Hi Bigwheel,

That's absolutely right. I just had the same experience mounting the new Conti Attack Forces onto a Campy Proton wheel. They were stubborn bastards...I actually broke a Performance tire iron:D . I cursed my way (walking) to my LBS and they gave me some "wrench force" tire irons which work great, I might add. Also, they showed me how to place my hands, holding one side and "snapping" the tire into place. Now I'm a master at changing tires:) .

Steve

Merckxrider, I have just mounted the Conti Attack & Force on Bontrager Race Lite wheels - and I may have coined some new four letter words. The're nice now but what a struggle.