Help with getting tire on rim.

[ladyicon]

Maybe one of you girls have a trick getting the tire all the way on the rim. I put on new tube, and new tire, but just can't get that last little bit of the tire on the rim. UGH! So frustrating. and I told my DH that I did not need help, so he went to Costco, I would like to be done by the time he returns. I will stay on line, you can PM if you could help. Thanks in advance.

[VeloVT]

You can use a lever to push it on. Slip the flat end of the lever under the tire bead and over the top of the rim, and just push up. You have to be careful not to pinch the tube though.

As you get more experienced at changing tires, you will learn the trick of rolling the tire on to the rim. I'm not sure I can really explain it very well, but there's a particular motion that you use with the heels of your hands that will get most tires on the rim, even if they seem tough at first.

Some tires are just tight though, especially when they're new.

[Eden]

I haven't tried this, though I've heard it works. Carefully warm the tire with a hair dryer - don't get it hot! just warm it.

When you get to that last little bit use the heels of your hands (use both hands) to push it onto the rim. It might help to wear your cycling gloves or use a rag to protect the skin of your palms.

[ladyicon]

Thanks for the help. My husband came home and got it on for me :mad:. I heard that the Crank Bros. speed lever makes it much easier. Does anyone have experience with this tool?

[Grog]

Sometimes it can be very hard. But I've found that "building slack" into the tire usually works.

Basically you hold the tire with both hands like a big driving wheel and rock the tire all the way around. Then you try to push it in. If it doesn't work right away, do it again.

It's well described here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/content.ep?file=asa_levers

I will use levers to pull tires off quickly but never to put them back on.

This being said, some wheels can be really, really tough, campi wheels have a really bad reputation for that.

[Norse]

I am usually unsuccessful getting that last bit on unless I use a lever as liza explained. You do need to be careful, but I have not lost a tube yet!

[makbike]

Try letting some air out of the tube once you get to this point. Often the "tough section" will pop right into place with little pressure.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I use levers and cuss. Alot. My hands don't seem to be that strong and it takes so long. Never thought about wearing my cycling gloves while changing them! Be careful if you use the levers though as you could pinch the tube, but that is how I do mine. It does take practice because I can do it alot faster now with less cussing :)

[oxysback]

I use a Tire Jack.

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1169247237

The only negative thing about it is that it's sometimes too long to put in my seat bag. Otherwise, it works miracles!

[spokewench]

Take the air out of the tube, then go all the way around the wheel, pinching the tire together, start where the valve is and go all the way around the tire. This will give you as much optimal room as you can get to shove the tire on the rim. Always start by putting your tire on the side of the wheel where your valve is so the last part you are trying to get on the rim is across from the valve. This also makes it easier to just roll the tire onto the rim with your hand.

[ny biker]

I use a Tire Jack.

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1169247237

The only negative thing about it is that it's sometimes too long to put in my seat bag. Otherwise, it works miracles!

I use one of these too. It's great. It's lightweight and fits in my handlebar bag.

[ladyicon]

How long is the tire jack ? I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who wrestles with tires. I think it was sooo hard to do cause they were Specialized Armadillo tires and brand new too. I bought some Pedros tire levers which are a lot stiffer than the ones I had, I have not tried them yet. I am still waiting for the feeling to come back to the ends of my fingers
:D.

[spindizzy]

Love the Crank Bros. speed lever. Works like a charm.