The 25c's are extremely difficult to mount. I used a coupe of "C" clamps to hold the tire on the rim while I finished mounting it. I have been using larger sizes of Marathon Plus on other bikes, and only one sidewall flat. Like you, I am hoping that I don't have to repair a puncture along the road. If so, maybe the tire will be more compliant after using it for a time(?) Wishful thinking there I guess. Even with the flat I got (construction staple that went into the tread that didn't puncture, then the other end of the staple went into the sidewall), I didn't even know until the next morning.