So I got a set of carbon clinchers with alloy braking tracks. They are structural carbon with a bonded alloy braking surface. I have a set of full carbon ones but wanted to get something for a new bike build that had better braking in the wet and didn't require me to swap out pads like my other bike. My question is how strong are those brake tracks and is there any no no to using a tire lever? I know with my carbon clinchers I gave my self blisters mounting the tires 1st time around (ones I use are great tires but 1st mount is a killer on most rims) and soft tissue damage because I didn't wanna use a tire lever on my carbon brake tracks. But this time around mounting up the tires one the new set of wheels the last few inches just wouldn't move. I had put on gloves to help muscle them on but no dice. So I took out my plastic lever and slipped it between the tire and hook and slide the last bit on while using my other hand to guide the rubber over easily.

Is that method ok for a carbon / alloy rim? Even tho carbon is a stronger materiel then alloy I felt saver using a lever on an alloy track then a carbon one in case of taking a chunk out. I tend to never ever use a lever unless its a rim tire combo that cant be mounted. I felt safer sliding the lever vs prying it up and over the hook. I normally pre mount the tires on a set of rims I know goes on easy for when I am mounting up these tires on a carbon wheel but even with a set mounted for a few months it still was a PITA to get the job done!

Anyways the job is done but I guess for future knowledge im curious. No cracking sounds, soft spots or rim chucks missing/things exploding, just wondering for my own peace of mind.