steelbead

I'm still having issues with putting tires on my rims. very hard to get the last 6" inches back on without a long screw driver. i have the fulcrum 5 rims and i did have hard case lite tires non folding. i got some gatorskins that are foldable and those don't even go on. any one else have a hard time with the fulcrum rims? if a folding tire won't go on, i'm starting to think it's the rims. please don't say they go on by hand. i'm 6'1" 200 lbs and they won't go on by hand. they barely go on with a screw driver thats 12" long. the last 6" are real hard. maybe its the shape of the rims itself. thanks

FBinNY 

I don't know about Fulcrum rims in particular, but let's start with the basics.

1- just so you know how good/bad things are, try mounting one side of the tire, without a tube. When it gets near the end, go back to where you started, push the tire to the middle of the rim where it's deepest, and slide your hands along in both directions pushing the tire to the middle and forward as you go, so the maximum slack is at the opposite end where you finish. Then place your thumbs near under the tire on both sides, just where it's not quite on the rim. Push up and over, creep along a bit more and repeat until you're down to 3-4" at ehich push the last bit oer from the middle.

Doing this will tell you where you stand, and you should be able to do it without unreasonable difficulty. If not, remove the rim tape and try again, because that reduces the diameter at the center. If you still cannot do it, then ask around for tires known to mount easier. If removing the rim tape is a big help, switch to rim plugs, or a thin plastic band to cover the spoke holes.

If you can mount one side, however you do so, the second side is the same, but you have to remomber to start opposite and end at the valve. This is critical because the valve stem keeps the tire out of the middle of the rim costing you slack. I prefer to add some air to the tube so it stays up in the tire, but as I near the end, I let it out so it doesn't fight me.

When you finish, be sure to push the valve deep into the tire to free any part of the tube that might be trapped under the tire, then pull it back out to seat everything.

If all else fails, there's a tool called a "tire Jack" which many find useful (or necessary), but if you use this tool, try removing the tire at home and mounting it again, because you'll have to do this in the field if you get a flat.

My personal rule is that a tire has to be easy to remove and mount in the dark, with cold hands, because Murphy's Law dictates that you'll get more flats on cold rainy nights than any other time (except frigid snowy nights).

HillRider

I've noticed that even tires that are a bear to mount when brand new seem to be easier to remove and reinstall the second time. I assume the first installation stretches the bead a bit.

FBinNY 

I agree that they often loosen a bit, especially folding tires and less so with steel hoop beads. But I still keep running into stranded riders who've flatted and cannot remove or remount their tires. Including some so tight that only steel tire levers don't break.

steelbead

I've had 2 flats on the road and never even attempted a change. All my stories take place in the basement. I can't imagine being on the side of the road and have to do that with a tough bead. nice to know i'm not the only one. As for moving the tire around on the rim, that won't work either. The rim is so narrow at the top opening you can' barely move the tire to even get the tube in it. I have a hard time sliding the bead over to get the valve thru the rim. i get one side of the tire on the rim and then insert the tube and push the valve thru. then, by hand start putting the 2nd bead on. I can get to about 6-8 left and it's totally brutal. i watched 100's of you tube videos and they change tubes like it's nothing. it's like their tires have no beads at all. tires or the rim? i really don't think it's me.

FBinNY 

It's the combination. A rim may be shallow, or a tire may have a tight fit, but either alone is just aggravating. But both together is almost impossible. OTOH, if you can get one side on by hand, and follow my system of starting opposite the valve the second side shouldn't be any harder.

You can also see if the shop or a local co-op offers basic repair classes that cover changing a tire. Bring you wheel and tire and ask the instructor to try. If he can do it, than ask for specific help so you can too. If not, then you know it's not you, and can explore other options.

I'd start by bringing the wheel to a shop and shop for tires that are easier to mount. Or buy a tire jack, and carry cab fare when your ride.

steelbead

the cab is my wife coming to get me. i just need a cell phone. thanks, i think i will try the shop. nows the time, no more riding here.