A couple of weeks ago I fixed a flat: Continental 4000 tire on a Kinlin rim, which is part of a relatively new wheelset for me. I like the Conti 4000s because they are usually extremely flexible and easy to manipulate, and I'm not exactly gifted mechanically. I had a heck of a time, using my tire iron, trying to get the Conti tire over the edge of the rim and sliding it off.

In contrast, this morning, I discovered a tear and bulge in my rear tire, so I removed the tire from my spare bike to replace it. My spare has Mavik rims. The tire came off in one smooth motion, just tucking the tire iron under the edge and running it along the rim. But once again: removing the damaged tire from the Kinlin rim on my newer bike was a a total *****.

Does anyone have any similar experiences or tips, such as perhaps another tire brand that might be a little more compatible (i.e. easier to get off) with Kinlin rims? I'm not complaining about my rims or my wheelset, they're great; but it feels so odd to have so much trouble removing the tire. It will be embarrassing when it happens on a group ride having people watch me struggle with Step 1!