TromboneAl

It seems that recently, as I'm pushing the bead of a tire into place, the inner tube keeps flopping out and getting in the way. I can get the job done, but it's annoying. Perhaps the tubes I'm using now are different.

Is there any trick to making it behave, and stay in the channel of the wheel while I'm seating the tire?

10 Wheels

Use a smaller tube.

Start by pushing the valve up first into the tire.

mkane77g

Partially inflate.

NOS88

I generally inflate the tube enough that it will stay in the tire by itself before I attempt to mount in on the wheel. I then place the valve in the valve hole and mount one side of the tire. Next, I start to mount the remaining bead at the valve and work in both directions a small amount at a time. When I reach the point toward the top of the wheel where either the tube starts to show outside of the tire or it is in danger of being punctured via a pinch, I deflate the tube enough that I can easily push it up into the tire cavity with a tire lever. I then continue to push the second bead in until all is complete. I should point out that I almost never use a tire lever to actually mount the tire. I do it with just my hands. On some tire and rim combinations it takes a toll on the thumbs, but by pinching the tire and tube together I've always been able to manage.

tsl

Tubes behaving badly?

Here I had a vision of your tubes running off to the track and gambling away the grocery money, while getting drunk and smoking cigars, then going to a motel of ill repute with some girls they met. (Who needs latex? I'm butyl, baby!)

I was terribly disappointed to find they're just flopping out of the bead.

Partial inflation works for me. Just the amount I can blow in there with my own lungs.

Velo Dog

^^^^^^

Mr. Beanz

Yeah, I blow air with my mouth. I say so at 1:15 into the video.

Little things I do that help me get a good install

NOS88

Wow, even if it is a new tube I'd never dream of putting my mouth near a bit of equipment that has to ride through goose droppings, road grime, and who knows what else.

TromboneAl

Thanks, Mr. B, I think the "pushing the tube in with four fingers" as I put the bead on will help (rather than as a separate step). I also inflate it a little with my mouth, even if it isn't a new tube, but I always wipe the goose droppings off first.

tsl

This is why I never eat geese. They're nothing but containers for goose droppings.

Mr. Beanz

........I know a guy that has to be the biggest germaphobe I've ever met. He flatted on a ride and pulled out a pair of surgical gloves to work on his wheel. Wipes down the area where he plans to take a break on a ride etc. But has no problem drinking out of a water bottle. Have you ever used a water bottle with a black top on it?

I use the cap to keep the stem from debris so given a choice, I'd gladly lick a stem before putting the bottle in my mouth.

Cyclist0094

You should practice yoga to become one with your inner tube.

NOS88

If you ride with fenders you bottle stays remarkably clean.

Mr. Beanz

Doh! Didn't think of that one, OK you got me!

TromboneAl

I recently stopped using the caps. I've reduced rotating weight, it looks better, and I feel so much freer now.

Cychologist

I also keep my tubes stored in baggies with a little talcum powder. (Whether in my tool box or bike bag.). The talcum helps the tube "behave" better as it doesn't want to stick to the tire and moves freely. Also the talcum/baggie keeps the tube from rubbing against the bike bag. Friction can compromise the tube before you use it.

I use my valve caps until I lose them, usually about the fifth time I air up the tire. :-)

NOS88

Commando valve stems?!?!?

Bikey Mikey

...or circumcised

I keep my tubes in baggies as well, but I may look into using talcum powder. Wonder if corn starch would work too? My LBS just gave me about a ½ dozen caps to have.

BlazingPedals

It happens to me all the time. I deal with it, no biggie. It happens less with fatter tires.