Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
I doubt there is a tire/rim that is impossible, or even hard, to install with the Pedros tire levers that were mentioned earlier. Park has a similar tool out now. I like some air in the tube while I am getting the tube into the tire, but once its all inside I let all the air out, then start to work the open side of the tire into the rim. Sometimes the last 4" or so are stubborn and sometimes not. If stubborn the Pedros lever WILL get it on and I haven't cut a tube yet in over 3 years of using them.
This. The Pedro's levers are dollar-for-dollar the greatest, most satisfying bike tool ever, vs. trying to do without. I can't believe the wasted struggle I used to have.
As others have said, sometimes even the same combo of sizes just do not go on with the same degree of difficulty by hand.
I also like some air in the tube at first, to give it a bit of shape & reduce twisting inside the tire.