Quote Originally Posted by sara View Post
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.
A few tips for getting that stubborn tire back on - and a brand new tire is almost always going to be tight. The last bit to roll over the rim should be away from the valve stem. Let as much air out of the tube as you can when you get to the last bit, and squeeze the tire into the center of the rim all around to make a little extra space. 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. 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. Once the tire is on, check that the tube in not caught between tire and rim. Grab the valve and push it up into the tire so that the tube clears the rim in that area. When you inflate the tire, stop with ~30 lb in it and inspect the bead. If it's rising in one area, let the air out and reseat it. If it fails to rise in one area, liquid soap will help.