The world of tires has gotten crazy over the last few years. Some get tires that fit around the rim loosely and others get tires that can barely get over the edge of the rim. I have always put tires ON totally by hand and started removal using levers. Be careful of waterbased products for tire lubes since they cause corrosion. I have never had a problem with a cycle tire "beading" properly on inflation. Motorcycle and car tires are a different story!

-SP