So I've got Michelin speediums on my bike, got a flat today and it seems quite tough to remove and mount. In comparison (and it's a bad comparison, I'm sure) the tires on my hybrid (giant stock) are easy to remove without tools. Just wanted to see what brands/models you a) find easy to mount and b) brands/models that have been tougher for you. I, for one, need to learn to pay attention to rocks on these path.

Some tires are harder to mount/dismount. A little powder can help. I've had 2 friends who said they popped the new tire into the dryer for a minute or 2 and it went right on.

In my experience, wire bead tires are more difficult to mount/remove as compared to kevlar bead tires. That being said, it isn't just the tire though. Different combinations of tires and wheels makes a difference. A friend uses the same tires I do, but has a heck of a time mounting them. Only difference is our wheels.

Ah I see, not exactly apples to apples

i've decided i need to develop the skill of putting on a tire with the use of tire irons (as opposed to hands alone) without putting a damn hole in the tube. i'm just about there. i figure i'll be burning through about 10-20 more tubes before i become proficient.

i'm not kidding...

I haven't used a tire lever to mount a tire on my bike in . . . I don't know, since I was a kid and used 2 screwdrivers. Simple: #1 run rims and tires that mount easily and #2, it's just a couple simple tricks. Recently I've run Open Pro, Kinlin, and Deep V rims, all mount easily, with Michelin PRO, 4000s, Vredestein, several Schwalbe "race" level tires and they all mount easily. Some wire rims do not mount easily, but I don't run them.

We have had very good luck with Continental Grand Prix / 4000 / 4 Seasons / Gatorskin Hardshell tires in this regard. Easy to mount, easy to take off and they are all quite durable.

The first time you mount the tire is the hardest.

If all else fails, use a bead-jack tool.

Some tire and wheel combo are awful. The situation has gotten worse over time as tire manufacturers get worried about liability and err on the side of tightness. I used to never have a problem with any combo and just used my fingers and palms. Now it's hard trying all the tricks like heating tires in the dryer, using powder, liquid soap, etc. Occasionally I resort to levers.

Vittoria Rubino pros.
Kevlar bead.
Tough, though not impossible to mount without irons.
Alex da22 rims

I mostly use Continental and Michelin tires and find the Continental easier to mount. As mentioned, rims matter too and the toughest I have had were some Shimano factory wheels (wh-r560) that came on my wife's bike. I replaced them only because if she had a flat on her own I didn't think she would be able to get if changed.

+1

Kool Stop tire jack, look it up on your computer. A tool that will save you much sweat, and mangled fingers.

I have GP4000S on Forte Titans, mount and unmount without tools and I love it. I've had some other combos that were horrible.
The first time with the GP4000S was more difficult, it took a few days to stretch out completely.
I also have to mention that I scored some Aeroplugs and that helped out a bit too.

All I know is--Bontrager R3's on Ultegra 6700's (hell, just about anything on Ultegra 6700's) are miserable to mount.

Huey Hooey, do yourself a favor and get a VAR tire tool. Can be hard to find, but worth the trouble. Small enough to carry on the bike and no tire is too tough for it. Seldom pinch the tube. Try it, you will like it.,

Definitely a great tool but a little large for carrying on a ride. The VAR is right sized for carrying and for using at home.

vitorria rubino pro....very hard
michelin pro race...easy
michelin lithion...easy.