Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Veloflex are impossible to install

I just got a set of Veloflex Pave and I'm trying to install them on some Torelli Master rims from the 90's and I can't even get the first bead in. Honestly I have no idea how this bead is going to get on, it's seems so damn tight. And yes the sizes are the same. I've even tried some soapy water and a tire lever, nothing works. Anyone have any good tips?

lol, that sucks.
have you ever had any problems getting a different tire on those rims?

i need to ask, is the tire the correct size for the rim?
i struggled with a tire once and realized the sizes were different, i felt like an ass

I had the same problem with these tires, trying to stretch them onto my Mavic Ellipses (deep profile rims).

I don't know if there's any secret to it, but the instructions clearly state that you should NOT use tire levers. I just used a lot of brute force, and full-finger gloves to keep from rubbing-off the skin of my palms and thumbs. It seems impossible, but they will go on, eventually.

I've found the best way to mount these tires is to squat down on your haunches, clamp the rim between your thighs and upper arms, and work the last several inches of bead over the rim little-by-little.

If it's any consolation, they will stretch once they're installed, so future removal and installation will be a snap.

By the way, the ride quality of these tires is superb -- well worth the effort of installing them.

Good luck.

lol, that sucks.
have you ever had any problems getting a different tire on those rims?

This is the first time installing tires on the rims.

i need to ask, is the tire the correct size for the rim?
i struggled with a tire once and realized the sizes were different, i felt like an ass

I triple checked and the sizes are the same. Both are 700c.

I had the same problem with these tires, trying to stretch them onto my Mavic Ellipses (deep profile rims).

I don't know if there's any secret to it, but the instructions clearly state that you should NOT use tire levers. I just used a lot of brute force, and full-finger gloves to keep from rubbing-off the skin of my palms and thumbs. It seems impossible, but they will go on, eventually.

I've found the best way to mount these tires is to squat down on your haunches, clamp the rim between your thighs and upper arms, and work the last several inches of bead over the rim little-by-little.

If it's any consolation, they will stretch once they're installed, so future removal and installation will be a snap.

By the way, the ride quality of these tires is superb -- well worth the effort of installing them.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. My freakin hands are killing me right now. The thing with these rims is that since they're italian the mid section of the rim is very shallow so there is less wiggle room. I might pick up a Tire Bead Jack and see if that works.

you should put the thinnest rim strip on the rim as you can find. maybe even those velo plugs.
i've seen plastic ones that almost paper thin.
i have a campy clincher rim that i don't even use because tires are so ****ing hard to get on them.

Try throwing the tire into a clothes dryer for a few minutes. After that, use plenty of soapy water and you should be golden.

/\ Soapy water is super helpful. I had a lot of trouble getting some Prorace2s on a deep rim Shimano wheelset. Someone suggested warm soapy water and it worked like a charm.

I tried the soapy water trick but it didn't work this time. What happens to the tires when you put them in a clothes dryer? Should it be on the highest setting?

This is really starting to be a pain. I went to my LBS to see if they could get them on and they couldn't. I really don't know what else to do at this point. I guess I'll try the dryer idea.

those are racing-only tires, right? i read good reviews on those.

man...i'd hate to be the guy who gets a flat on a ride with that tire...

from what i've heard, tire bead jacks can get the toughest of beads onto rims, so it might be worth looking into buying one and taking it with you just in case.

I was worried about that but I read from a few people that the tires stretch and the second time around they are much easier to instal.

KY will get you in to the tightest rims.

Kidding.

You could try pre-stretching them then.

Lbs.

those are racing-only tires, right? i read good reviews on those.

They aren't, the records are. But it really depends on who's asking.

Lbs.

I already went to my LBS. They said that they couldn't do it. Last time I'm going there. Well after much effort I was able to get one tire on with some Pedro levers but I ended up puncturing the tube so I have to replace the damn thing. So annoying.

Well I finally installed both tires. What was the magic tool? Pedro levers. Those things are amazing. I though they were going to snap at one point but they made it through. No signs of the plastic weakening either. This lever are freaking amazing. The only issue was that I punctured 3 tubes getting these damn tires on.

those are racing-only tires, right? i read good reviews on those.

i would only use them for racing. i rode a set on the street and they wore thru to the tube in two weeks. shortest lived tires i've ever ridden. they are, however, amazing to take on trips as they fold up incredibly small and are amazingly light. you can throw a whole extra tire in a medium saddlebag.