Tight fitting tire
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 420
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From: Brownsville,Tx
Bikes: 2005 Cannondale R700 CAAD7
Tight fitting tire
Anyone have any tips or advice, Im trying to mount a Hutchinson Top Speed tire and its so tight i cant even get the first bead on. I have tried stretching the tire to no avail unles im doing it wrong. Any help would greatly be appreciated. TIA
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,239
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, Calif.
1: Make sure the rim and tire are really the same size; i.e. that you're not trying to put a 700c tire on a 27" rim.
2: A little soapy water on the rim edge can provide lubrication and help the tire slip over it.
3: Using the thinnest possible rimstrip will let the tire bead go as deep as possible into the rim channel and give you a bit more slack to get it mounted.
But - if it's that hard to get on in the first place are you sure you want to risk getting a flat and having to change it in a less convenient setting?
2: A little soapy water on the rim edge can provide lubrication and help the tire slip over it.
3: Using the thinnest possible rimstrip will let the tire bead go as deep as possible into the rim channel and give you a bit more slack to get it mounted.
But - if it's that hard to get on in the first place are you sure you want to risk getting a flat and having to change it in a less convenient setting?
#3
The space coyote lied.



Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,784
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From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
Assuming your rim/tire combo passes prathman's criterion #1, I use a wringing motion to get the bead on. Sit in a chair with the bead you're trying to get on opposite the rim from your body. Using both hands just keep wringing the tire onto the rim. It might seem like it's never gonna go, but eventually the wringing will warm the bead a bit and get it on there. I use the first knuckle joints (upper part of the palm) as the primary contact point.
For getting the first bead on, I'll frequently use a tire lever if it's tough to get it on.
For getting the first bead on, I'll frequently use a tire lever if it's tough to get it on.
#5
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 16
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From: Northern Europe
I'm really sure that rim and tire don't match. Check the measurements, millimeters (ISO) are most precise and don't get you fooled. https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
#7
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,383
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
I use the VAR #425 tire jack:

There are similar tools from other manufactures. Inexpensive and handy.

There are similar tools from other manufactures. Inexpensive and handy.
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
If you're sure the tire matches the rim, after you start the first bead, make sure it's settled into the center, depressed section of the rim. That should give you enough slack to force the opposite side over the rim.





