new tires

[RolliePollie]

I put NEW TIRES on my bike today. I knew my old tires were kind of worn after 3000 miles, but when I actually held them side by side with the new ones- oh my, the old ones were SO worn out it was scary. Getting bald and hairline lengthwise cracks all along the sidewalls. Glad I didn't just keep using them! You don't see how bad old tires are until you see new tires right next to them.
I stupidly pinched a tube and made a hole in it while trying to pry one tire on at the last hardest bit - it was a very tight fit and much harder than when I had put my previous tires on by myself, and when I changed a flat once. DH patched the tube for me (i was also cleaning our oven at the same time) and we finally got everything on ok- I did the other tire by myself.
It's all good practice.
Can't wait to feel the new tires rollin'!

My old tires were Pasela Panaracer with Tourguard (kevlar belt) with wire bead- 700x28.
My new tires are exactly the same except with a kevlar bead- which makes them a teeny bit lighter weight and foldable as opposed to the wire bead. Cool.
Nothing like brand new tires. Tomorrow is Sunday and the weather looks good for an after-breakfast ride.

I tried to put a new front tire on my bike today...but I failed miserably!

Lisa, how did you get the last bit of tire on? I am not exaggerating...I fought that thing for over an hour and my hands are all torn up as a result...I tried EVERYTHING! I even tried heating up the rubber with my blow dryer to make it more pliable. The tire is a folding Michelin Krylion...not sure if the folding tires are harder to put on or if it's just my weak hands. Anyway, after throwing a bit of a tantrum, I gave up and put the old tire back on because I was running out of afternoon and I wanted to ride! Then, probably because I was so mad that I wasn't paying attention when I was putting the old tire back on, I got a pinch flat, or more specifically, a pinch explosion, which blew the old tire right off the rim again. So after about 2 hours of frustration, I ended up right back where I started with my old tire back on the bike. But I still got in 25+/- miles, so I guess it wasn't so bad.

This weekend I'm going to try to find someone to help me get the dumb tire on. My old tire definitely isn't as worn as yours, but after 2,500 miles, it's ready to be retired (no pun intended!). Lisa, I hope you are enjoying your new tread!