Originally Posted by
pstock
Trying to mount tires on two nice old (6 speed) Campagnolo hubbed clinchers.
A 700c tire fits easily into the rear Ambrosia rim.
But trying to fit a 700c tire on the front wheel, a Campagnolo Omega rim, is basically impossible. (I was able to force one 700c tire using steel tire irons but then realized "this is useless. What would I do if I flatted on the road? I wouldn't be able to get the tire off")
Could this front be a 27"? Doesn't look like it. When I hold them.vertical against a wall and drop a square, the diameter seems to be identical. The pencil mark lines up for both rims.
So what other explanation could there be?
What else can I try? I've got about 2 dozen used 700s. Just keep trying them all, like Cinderella and the slipper?
Something is wrong if you can't get the first bead on. Assuming you can:
1. Finish the second bead at the valve stem, starting 180 degrees away from it. You'll have less slack when you can't move the bead to the center of the rim.
2. Begin by moving the bead to the middle of the rim extrusion, then maintain tension pulling the bead into the depression as you milk the slack around until you can finish with your thumbs.
3. Use two wraps of 1 mil kapton tape (totaling .005" versus .020" for Velox) if you have a tight combination; 16mm / 5/8" for classic rims, 19mm / 3/4" for somewhat wider.
Together, those things can make the difference between cussing at tools and comfortably hand-mounting tires.