TP_Mantis

I got a set from PBK (came with two free tubes). Went to put them on last night in anticipation to ride to work this morning. Wow these have tight beads...half hour of stretching and sore thumbs i got the back one on, luckily i remembered to check the rotational arrow.
A hour later with more stretching and near blisters the front tire is on. Pump it up and nothing
So i take my wifes wheel with me to work and she is going to take the wheel to the lbs to "support" them

jesspal

I was able to install them on my Mavic OP's by hand. I used some advice that someone else mentioned, apply a little bit of soapy water on the edge of the braking surface. This helped the bead slide up a bit easier.

jhmiller

Hmmm. I picked up a GP4000 from an LBS when I destroyed a Rubino Pro II during a century ride, and it's been great. Noticeably softer ride and better grip than the Rubino. I've only got ~500 miles on it so far so I can't comment on durability. FWIW.

aham23

i had read about the mounting issues with these tires before purchasing some recently. i was ready for a battle that did not ensue. it was a tight fit, but it was nothting overly difficult. later.

blacksquid

I think part of the problem is the wheels on which you mount these tires. I had a heck of a time getting them onto Campy Eurus wheels. No problems with a set of hand-built wheels I put together.

veloboy971

I nearly almost always get blisters putting those on when they are new, but luckily I don't have to put new ones on too often because (for me) they last so long. What I have done lately however is I will mount them partially on a spare set of rims (partially as in both sides in and out of the rim so that it is sort of stretched a bit) for a couple of days and then when I mount them they are a lot easier to do.

SoreFeet

Don't use tire irons to install the tire. You'll likely tear the beads or damage the side walls. I've heard so many horror stories of having a tough time mounting Continental tires but I've always done it quickly.

The liquid dish soap trick can help. Patiently work the tire around the rim. The last part is intimidating but don't let it get you down. Think of the principle of the clincher tire. It is a hook bead...Using firm pressure and force, press downward and upward. This is where it hurts. Be patient keep the pressure and foreward moving motion. Eventually the bead will slide on to the rim and make a nice snapping sound.

JimF22003

I had a hard time with all the tires I've tried on the RaceLites I had originally. I've used both Krylium Carbons and gp4000s tires on my new Ksyirium wheels, and it's much easier.

substructure

I put some one last night. Cussed, farted, and fumed for an hour.

datlas 

Great tires, once you get them on....I agree they are a pain to install, although that difficulty is clearly operator and rim dependent.

I usually cheat and use a tire iron, carefully.

Booger

Continentals are notorious for running small. I go straight for the speed lever.

trojanman

Just bought a pair (literally)

I bought a 25 and a 23 to see which width I would prefer. But if they are that hard to get on, can someone tell me if the 23 runs narrow? The ultra race 23 seems super narrow. Are these the same?

I would rather not try them on for size if they are that hard to change.

jesspal

They are not that hard to change. Just don't expect them to go right on, take your time and work it on the rim. Like I said use a little dish soap and it helps slide the tire right over the rim.

caloso

I race on 23 and commute on 25. I think the 25 runs a little big, more like a 27, but nice and round. Feels cushy and comfortable in the corners.

As far as mounting them, I put them out in the sun to warm up. Seems to help.

Sprocket Man

If all else fails when trying to mount your tire, buy a Kool Stop Bead Jack:

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...e.aspx?sc=FRGL

lokerola

The contis go on my mavic open pros by hand. I need a crowbar to get them on my neuvations.

jacerab

just put the conti attack/force set on dt swiss rims. by far the toughest tire/rim combo i've dealt with.

sprintr

I have found that putting them flat over the rim and then mounting each bead from the outside of the rim was very easy. This is as opposed to mounting them both from the same side. I am not sure if this makes sense, but it is the only way I could find to explain it.

trojanman

ditto

I just mounted the 23. It seems to be pretty darn narrow. The 25 on the other hand seems to run a little big. Not sure which way i will go now.........

jesspal

+2 these are the wheels I mounted mine on, the cxp22's were a biotch

RudeSiggy

I had no problems putting them on my Easton's... easier than Pro3s. YMMV.

zacster

I've been using them since they were introduced and don't have any problems mounting them on either my Campy Ventos or Velomax Tempests. And once on, taking them off is easy too, although I don't usually have to until they are worn out 'cause I never get fl...fl...fl I better not say that.

StanSeven

It sounds like the problem is wheel/rim manufactuers don't make standard size wheels. Some people have no problem with these tires and others have big difficulties.

AEO

no, conti just runs tight.
falcrum/campy also run a bit tight.

when you combine the two, all hell will break loose.

FIVE ONE SIX

it also matters which rim tape you're using. i use Velox rim tape, which is thick, so it makes it that much harder to get them on. if you use thin rim tape, than it's obviously going to be that much easier to get them on...