I know that this probably belongs in the mechanics forum, but I know a lot of you guys run this rim. I'm trying to change out a flat tube, and I CANNOT manage to get this tire back on the wheel! I could barely get the tire OFF the wheel. I've found a lot of people complaining about this problem, but with no helpful pointers.

Does anyone have the secret to unlocking this mystery?!

No secret that I know of about how to easily mount tires on these rims, but I've found some tires are easier than others... My Conti TourRides mount like a dream on the CR-18 rims, but the Vittoria Randonneur Pro's were nearly impossible. Personal lubricant, perhaps?

search threads for a good tutorial.

there are some tricks.

my 27" CR18's took my new 27" cross tires just fine-- freehand, no levers.

they were tiogas.

A lot of people say the cr18 + pasela/rando are an impossible combo, but I've never had a problem. What you do is mount all of the bead on the rim except for that one little section, then go around pinching the tire while forcing it to the center. This loosens the bead, then VOILA.

OR

1) use a Crank Bros speed lever
2) Tire jack
3) My foot leverage technique that some people around here may or may not remember... I'll dig up the thread if you really need it...

No problems mounting Rivendell Jack Browns on my 700c CR-18s. Just "the right amount" of effort needed with two tire levers.

I'm trying to mount Paselas, of course. Lube is a good idea. I have read in many places that a tire jack is really useful. I'll probably just take it to the LBS tomorrow and let them have a crack at it, and probably get a tire jack in the near future. Thanks for the input, all!

I have a bunch of wheels I built up with CR-18s. Some tires can be a pain. But:
* when you think the tube is seated, remove most of the air.
* try to roll the last bit of the tire on the rim. Use both hands.You should see the bead gradually move up the rim, until it finally pops.
* maybe buy a tire jack. Although I haven't bought one yet.

I have a theory that mounting tires in cold weather (when the tire is itself cold) is more difficult...

Baby powder and plastic tire levers

No problems with various tires on my 26" CR-18s.

jpaschall, I have some rebranded Pasalas on my CR18s. It is a PIA to mount these tires, but if you let out the air when you're down to the last few and harder inches, pinch the bead on the rest of the tire to the center of the rim, it's do-able with good tire levers (I use Park plastic).

Brad

My Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires are pretty tight on my 700c CR-18s, even though they've loosened up after 1000 miles and a few dismounts for patching. It's no problem with my tire levers, though: dollar store flat-blade screwdrivers with the handles cut off and the rough edges "melted" on a die grinder (to prevent lever-induced pinch flats!).

I ride cr18s with Paselas (700x28) and yes tight to get on. You have to mount as much as you can (without pinching the tube) with your fingers until you get down to that last little bit and use ONE lever (I use a Park plastic, doesn't scratch) to quickly and with purpose pop it in place. Once it goes, it goes.
It took me a while to realize I wasn't being enough of a bear with it.

I don't find that lube helps. It just makes a mess. Baby powder is useless.

I prefer impersonal lubricant myself.

Hmm, I wonder if leaving the rim outside in the cold, but keeping the tire warm inside might help. (Obviously no help when you're fixing a flat mid-commute.)

- Scott

For mounting tires or other uses..?

EDIT: Made the innuendo clearer. See below.

Love it! Seems the comments on this forum today are hitting on all cylinders as far as humour is concerned!

It has probably already been mentioned, but this tool from Kool Stop works great

Baby powder is for keeping the surfaces of the tube and inner tire moving freely together. Nothing else is gained from it.
As others suggested get the bead of the tire into the center of the rim by pinching the beads together. I've found Paselas to mount easily but there's always going to be difficult combos of wheels and tires.
Last Sunday I flatted on a ride. Was able to roll the Conti Grand Prix Four Seasons (very old tires I've had for years) off and on the rim with no tools. I love when that happens!

I always snap the lever if I try this. Better to put on some gloves. Take a breath of fresh air. Gather your strength. Then twist the edge of the tire over the rim.

I have 4 bikes with CR18's The bikes with Continentals I have a tough time with. Bikes with other brands have not been an issue. Make sure that the bead of the tire is in the deep part of the rim all the way around. Tires tend to try to push to the outside once one side wall is on the rim.

Plan to get that Tire lever/ Tire jack next time I see one. LBS doesnt stock it.

Maybe Gold Bond Medicated Powder will work better than baby powder because of the cooling effect.

Seriously though. Meachanics gloves and painful fingers work best for me on tricky tires. I usually use the levers just to remove them.