Tight Tires - SO Frustrating!

[RolliePollie]

I just put a new front tire on my bike. Well, I put it most of the way on...I had to take the wheel to my LBS to get the last bit over the rim. So here I was, struggling with the tire for over an hour. I tried everything but that dang tire was SOOOO tight! I get to the LBS, hand the guy my wheel, and he just pushes the tire over the rim with him thumbs. It took him 2 seconds. I hate it when I feel like a weak woman who needs a man to help me. And I don't have a man around the house for these things. I must go find a man immediately.

Anyway, I just needed to vent. I love my LBS and I have a wonderful new Michelin Krylion tire on my front wheel. All is good. I just wish I could've done it all by myself!!!

[Starfish]

I don't know what kind of tire that is...but once I switched to foldable tires, it became very easy to get them on the rims.

[lph]

Oh I hate tires like that! Once in while you just get ones that are a tad too tight. I've had some luck getting the tire almost all the way on so it's really tight, then just leaving it for a while to stretch. A little later it seems easier to get on, at any rate. But an hour spent struggling should have been enough for that to work.

[Blueberry]

Sara-

Don't feel bad

The LBS guys (and gals) do this all day, every day. They have strength in different places, not to mention that they do that motion dozens of times a day.

Some tires are just a b!tch. Sometimes a tire iron can help with the last little bit. Sometimes I need to rest

I agree, folding tires are easier. Some rims are also worse than others.

CA

[DebW]

For really stubborn tires, sometimes you can cheat with a tool like this. But avoid using tire levers because they are likely to pinch the tube. Keep practicing, Sara. It's a matter of leverage and body mechanics more than strength, so you CAN do it.

[lph]

For really stubborn tires, sometimes you can cheat with a tool like this. But avoid using tire levers because they are likely to pinch the tube.

Deb, I've seen this a few times now, but truth be told I use tire levers all the time and have yet to pinch a tube. But I'm mostly changing mtb tires, if that makes a difference. I only use plastic levers, and am very careful about where I put them i.e. just using them on the very edge. Some of the tires I've put on I can't imagine how I could ever manage without 3 levers, and preferably 3 hands too!

[Melalvai]

He probably snuck some clever little gadget in while you weren't looking.
My bike shop mechanic has the coolest device, I can't possibly describe it but you get it in there and just push a lever up and presto! (or schrader!) the tire is off. It is pretty big actually. You couldn't take it with you on a ride without big storage device. I mean it wouldn't fit in a seat pack by a long shot.

[teawoman]

you get it in there and just push a lever up and presto! (or schrader!) the tire is off.

Hee hee! I'm feeling silly enough today to giggle at that!