like base said, get the tire on the opposite side into the center of the wheel groove cuz that's a smaller diameter, then you'll have more slack for the final push. it takes some massaging & squeezing. I admit I do use a plastic tire lever very carefully at the end but only if I can be certain I'm not catching the tube. when I was a kid I got used to using a metal screwdriver. only took ruining 1 tube to learn how to do it without grabbing the tube. folding tires are easier to mount (in general) suppose it couldn't hurt to warm the tire, meaning don't store them in your basement before mounting, or if you do, bring them to another floor & warm them up or use a space heater?