ECDkeys

Today the studs came off my hybrid. Which may be premature, as Wisconsin weather in March can be tricky to predict. I'm sure Murphy's law will apply when we get an ice storm next week.

But this brings up an issue. My thumbs are really sore from trying to push the tires onto the rims (you know, that last couple inches). It's just these rims that seem to create such resistance; my other bikes require relatively little effort to get the tires back on the rims. These rims, by comparison, make me work. (And today, in removing one tire, I actually snapped one of the tire levers.) When I installed the Nokians last December, it was the same deal, perhaps worse, because the studs digging into my hands (yeah, I should've worn gloves). Sheldon Brown makes mention of a contraption to help with especially stubborn rim/tires. Does anyone use that?

ItsJustMe

I have two different rims on my hybrid. The front that it came with, I can get any tire on and off easily with just fingers. The rear which is a much nicer rim (I had to rebuild the back because the wheels it came with were crap and broke spokes every week) I can't get any tire off without levers. I can barely get a tire on it without levers if I really work at it but it's easier just to use levers.

I took the studs off last weekend, but had to put the front back on again today.

newbojeff

I'd take my studs off, but it sounds too difficult, plus we're supposed to get 3 inches of snow tomorrow and 5 more inches through Saturday.

Owltooth

Nokians are a nightmare to get on and off for me too, for my rims anyway. But congratulations on getting them off, they're also a nightmare to ride on...12mph average is pretty demoralizing, but now you'll be flying, enjoy it.

mharter

I'm putting my front stud back on tomorrow morning for the snowy ride, it ain't over yet. Snow is way better than the ice we got last time!

Matt