Originally Posted by
OakLeaf
I know it's not by the book, but I almost always use a lever to mount my tires.
Make sure there's a bit of air in the tube, enough to give it some shape, before you start. Check carefully that the tube is inside the tire at each point before applying pressure to the lever.
Once the bead is on the rim, work it all around and check that it's seated.
Inflate the tire about halfway and check it again.
Then let all the air out of the tube, work the bead all around the tire once more, and finally inflate it to pressure.
If I follow all those steps and don't cheat, I've never had a pinch.
It probably takes longer than doing it with your hands, but it sure is easier.
I think plastic levers are less likely to grab the tube than metal, also.