Originally Posted by
_ForceD_
So here’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask for while regarding bicycle tire bead mounting tools (and the OP’s fabrication is outstanding BTW). I have one of those pivoting plier-style tire mounting tools that I’ve really only used a few times. But here’s the thing. Once you get that extremely though-to-mount tire ON…and then you get a flat mid-ride, and the tool is back at the house…how do you get that very tight tire OFF…and then back ON when you’re roadside? I just went through this drill in the garage with new tires (Panaracer Stratus Sport 700x23 folding) that are so tight that getting the first bead on the rim was difficult. I got the second bead mostly on. But there was just no way that last six inches was/is going over the edge of that rim. (I’ll be getting different tires.) And if I did get it on…that’s when I thought there’s no way I’d get it off, nor back on, roadside.
Dan
I have both the Kool Stop and the VAR bead jacks. The Kool Stop has good leverage, but isn't really portable, so I use it when I change tires at home. The VAR is portable, and a little tougher with stubborn tires, but it gets the job dine. The VAR also incorporates tire levers for removing the tire.
Crank Brothers also has a portable bead jack, but I haven't tried that one. Looks like one end can serve as a tire lever, but you may want to carry a second lever as well.
