j_deLaBay

I have some 700x23 Specialized all condition tires I finally managed to get on. Must have a wire bead, cause I don't remember tires being that hard to mount! I got a flat today and had never changed a tube on this wheelset before (purchased off of CL, came with tubes/tires).

It took 2 hours, and what a PITA that was. I couldn't mount it without levers (I tried to the point of blistering). Once I got to the point where I had about 10" of tire left, it seemed damn near impossible. I kept running my finger along the tire to give myself some slack. Are there any tricks/tips you guys I should know about, or am I just a puss/incompetent bike mech?

thanks guys

Zef

Try a different brand/model of tire. Some tires and rims just don't get along well. You might find a 700x23c tire from another company easier to mount. Take your wheel without the tire to a local bike shop and check out a few tires, buy one that mounts easier.

Also, it may be worthwhile to look for a size marking on your rims to ensure they are indeed 700c rims. There have been discussions of people trying to force a 700c tire onto a 27inch rim.

Good luck.

-j

adamrice 

It happens. I think some brands of tires typically run tight, and normal manufacturing margins for error might allow for one tire to be especially tight.

There is a tool called a "tire jack"; there's one made by VAR, another made by Kool Stop (what I have). Even these can be defeated by a really recalcitrant tire, but they're handy.

DieselDan

Roll it over the bead with the palms of your hands, don't press it in with your thumbs.

nymtber

Never had a problem with 700c tires, but my Sun CR-18 rims, 26", are not much fun putting Panaracer FireXC PRO tires on, or getting them off. 3 tire levers makes it work just fine, though. Those tires have never flatted, so I guess it doesnt matter much. I just carry a set of park tire levers with me.

My girlfriends Trek7100 (2007 model) the stock tires come off without tire levers. Of course they are single wall rims, so the tire can slip down in farther to allow you to pull the opposite bead off the rim...

I will second the idea of checking to make sure they are 700c rims...

Tormoza

Check out what Lennard Zinn has to say on velonews: https://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...low-out_103005

I thought I knew all the tricks, but his advice about saving the area around the valve stem for last was new to me -- and it really helps.

Panthers007

Though it is out-of-stock, look for one of these. They make mounting thin, high-pressure tires a snap. And they are small enough to easily carry on your bike or in your pocket:

https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...item_id=VR-425

For home use, these operate on the same principle - and are very good:

https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...&item_id=KS-TJ

They are a bit too bulky for on-bike carry - but some folks do so anyways.

BetweenRides

Try putting the new tire in your dryer on low heat for about a minute or so to soften the rubber, then immediately mount. Just don't overdo it or any subsequent loads of laundry will smell like burnt rubber.