Originally Posted by
mustang1
So now I'm either looking for new narrower tubes and/or new tires. I'm not sure if it's better to just get more flats and repair them quicker or get fewer flats and screw up my fingers.
Thinner rimstrips will help with tire installation and removal more than thinner tubes will. The idea is to get the tire bead all the way down in the center channel of the rim which then allows you to slip the last bit of tire bead up and over the rim edge. A thick rimstrip keeps the bead up a bit higher and makes it harder to install the tire.
It also helps to provide a bit of lubrication along the edge of the rim - a sliver of soap in your tire repair kit will help if you rub it on the rim where you'll be getting the last bit of the tire bead installed and wet it down with a little water.