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View Full Version : Felt like a doofus, but I was vindicated...


roadie gal
06-22-2007, 08:12 AM
I don't do a whole lot of wrenching on my bike. I'm not mechanically inclined. That's just the way it is. BUT I DO know how to change a tire.

The other day I noticed a split in my back tire. So I decided to change it. I had a tire sitting around in my garage that I had bought ages ago. I got the wheel off of the bike, no problem. The old tire also came off, no problem. THEN the problems began. I could not get the new tire on. I wrestled, and grunted, and swore, and sacraficed my knuckles and nails. I even broke a tire lever. FINALLY the sucker went on.

So I put the wheel back on the bike and went to blow up the tire... and all I heard was SSSSsssssss as the tube that I had macerated in my struggles deflated.

I swore again and went to look for a spare tube to start the whole @#@$#$ process over. But it seems that I had used them up. *sigh*

At that point I figured that this was a message from G-d and took the wheel off again and took the whole darn thing with me to my LBS. I walked in and told them that they were welcome to laugh at me but to please change my tire. I felt like such a doofus!

BUT, VINDICATION! It took 2 of their techs about 20 minutes to change the silly thing. They kept asking, "Are you sure this tire is the right size?" Of course it was. It was just a very tight tire. Now I don't feel so stupid. And I have a new tire to ride on. yay!
mimitabby
06-22-2007, 08:16 AM
Roadie, it sounds like you learned a lot. And yes, you were vindicated. Next time it will come off easier :p
good for you!
smilingcat
06-22-2007, 08:25 AM
If its of any help and I don't know if it is good/bad or not. Maybe debW?? would know.

In situation like this I use bit (I mean really small amount like a film) of regular bar soap around the bead and just moisten the bead. It makes a world of difference.

If debW reads this let me know if this is a bad practice or not recommended, so so or go for it.

smilingcat.
roadie gal
06-22-2007, 11:45 AM
The guys at the shop put some baby powder in the tire before putting in the tube so it'll come out easier next time. I thought that was a cool trick.
smilingcat
06-22-2007, 11:21 PM
The guys at the shop put some baby powder in the tire before putting in the tube so it'll come out easier next time. I thought that was a cool trick.

The other thing is to keep the spare tube in a zip lock bag with small amount of baby powder. Does the same thing and you don't have to be carrying a bottle of baby powder on your ride.
DebW
06-24-2007, 01:40 PM
If its of any help and I don't know if it is good/bad or not. Maybe debW?? would know.

In situation like this I use bit (I mean really small amount like a film) of regular bar soap around the bead and just moisten the bead. It makes a world of difference.

If debW reads this let me know if this is a bad practice or not recommended, so so or go for it.

smilingcat.

SC, I've never used soap to install a tire onto a rim, but I have used liquid soap to help the bead to seat after the tire is installed for cases where the bead doesn't rise when the tire is inflated. I don't see any downside to your idea.

Another recommendation is the Kool Stop Tire Jack (http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=362129594444&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Tire-and-Tube&tc=Tire-Levers&item_id=KS-TJ) for installing stubborn tires. Lifts the bead onto the rim without pinching the tube. Kinda big (9", 3 oz) to carry with you on the bike but a great home tool.