As for mounting the tire, try this next time.

1. After getting on the 1st bead and mounting the slightly inflated tube inside (some put the tube in tire 1st, some don't) start mounting the other bead on the rim opposite the valve stem (hub in between). Push the tire on with thumbs and the heel of your hand, working from both sides.

2. When it starts to get difficult press on the tire with your arms and depress the valve to let out all excess air. The go back to the beginning and push the tire in toward the middle of the rim, where the diameter is smallest, and "scrub" around toward the stem again. Those two actions will create more slack.

3 Continue to push the bead over the rim, being careful that the tube does not get pinched. Finish just to one side of the valve stem, and if a shraeder stem push it a bit up into the tire before trying to finish. You should find it much easier to mount.

I was a mechanic for over 20 years and I can hardly remember a tire that I could not mount without tools using the above method. In fact there were some tires where step 2 allowed me to dismount the tire without a tool! If nothing else that step allowed easier removal with tire irons (starting at the valve stem of course).