I can't do it! *sob*

[silver]

Ok, still haven't done it yet. I still don't have the kind of rim tape that I want. It wanted that thin slick kind (?) but all the bike shop had was the cloth tape.

But they did tell me something that I was not doing and no one mentioned here (I don't think)

That I should start pushing the tire over the rim at the opposite side as the valve and then leave that area for last. For some reason, I was doing this opposite. So I'm thinking that this might be the ticket.

Can anyone recommend thin slick rim tape?

This is what I'm thinking about ordering, but I thought I had seen some thin plastic like tape on someone else's wheel.

http://www.bicycletires.com/pcoetp/C...ip/product.htm

[DebW]

But they did tell me something that I was not doing and no one mentioned here (I don't think)

That I should start pushing the tire over the rim at the opposite side as the valve and then leave that area for last. For some reason, I was doing this opposite. So I'm thinking that this might be the ticket.

I always leave the bit away from the valve for last. But it could be that by doing the valve area last, you are able to squeeze all the rest of the tire into the center of the rim and get a little bit more slack. Try it both ways, but I doubt it will make very much difference. I don't know what kind of body mechanics you are using Silver, and some tires are certainly very very tight, but I'll add this in case it help. Let as much air out of the tube as you can when you get to the last bit. Body position will help to get the best leverage. I like to squat and lay the wheel flat on my thighs with the last bit up and away. That way you are using straight arms and using your shoulder and back muscles, not just your hands. Push the tire bead with the meaty part of your thumbs, working with both thumbs close together on the same bit of bead, and then move along to the next piece.

If you really can't get the tire on by hand, consider using something like this for the initial installation. It lifts the bead onto the rim rather than prying it, and is about 9" long for good leverage. After you get the tire on, inflate it, and let it sit in your house for a couple weeks. It should then be stretched enough that you can change flats on the road by hand.

[Christopher]

hi Silver
I sometimes use that tape. It is tricky to fit - harder that the tires in fact, but will never move once you get it on the rim and it's very tough. You have to use tire levers to get it out of the rimwell though.

I put a rat-tale file (a long, thin cylindrical file - a pencil or pen might work too but aren't usually strong or thin enough) through the valve hole in the rim and thread the corresponding hole in the strip onto the file. Then I work the strip onto the rim from the valve hole (like you describe for the tire). Even then it usually takes 2-3 attempts to get it right, but it's worth it in the long-term.

Good luck!

[Jo-n-NY]

Oh Silver, I feel for you. I am so sorry I cannot help you, but I am sure learning through you and all the others with their advice. I have yet to change a flat, however it is my New Years Resolution for 2008 at least one of them

JoAnn

[silver]

I finally got my tires mounted! yeah!

Here's what worked:

The veloplugs didn't fit the Bontrager Race wheels. So I ordered this:

rox ultralight rim tape

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5412

I chose that because it was thin and slick.

then I ordered this tool:

The crank brothers speed lever tire tool

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4221

That was the trick. This tool is small enough to carry with me. And it made things so much easier.

I also started from the opposite side of the wheels from the valve. It was still difficult but do-able. I highly recommend this tire tool! It was only $5.99!

yeah! I'm so relieved.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I looked at the tool that Deb recommended but was trying to make an order from Performance when I noticed the crank brothers tool. It was a very good order, the rim tape, the tool and the vest, plus a few tubes thrown in for fun.