habals

Hi,

This is my 1st time changing a tire.
I was able to take one side of the tire out of the rim, and pull the tube out.
I watched youtube videos, but the other side is supposed to come out easily.
However, my tire is tightly stuck on the rim, and has no space for the lever.
I tried to pull it with my hands but with no luck.
Any advice on how to do it?

Thanks!

CCrew

make sure the bead is in the center of the rim (all the way around), which is usually the lowest point. That should get you enough slack to get a lever under it. If the bead is still up on the rim it can be really difficult.

That said, some rims are just flipping tight. Then it requires a liberal dose of 4 letter words.

exile

With practice it becomes easier so take your time.

Some tires are easier to mount or dismount than others, but you will get better at doing it yourself. Are you able to put the tire lever under both sides of the tire or are you using the lever on one side and sliding it around the rim?

After you get one side of the tire off the rim are you then pinching and folding the tire off? I know this might sound vague so I will look for a video or something to help.

habals

Thanks. I finally got the tire off. I'm now installing the new one, and having a same problem. I need to stick in ~5 inches, and it seems impossible to me. sigh.

exile

This link on Installing a new bike tube may help and is similar to what i do. Again, some tires are more difficult than others but with practice it becomes easier.

The mechanic at my LBS has changed tires so often he doesn't even use tire levers. The man has some strong hands.