I've probably said all these things before, but I'll say them again. Pinched tubes can be avoided. It's easier to do it right the first time than have to do it more than once.


Before you start moving the 2nd side of the tire over the rim, run your fingers between tire and rim and make sure that ALL of the tube is inside the rim.

Never ever use a tool to put a tire on. Sometime you can get away with it, but sometimes it bites you. If you really have to use a tool, use something like this which lifts the bead rather than prying it.

Once the tire is on, check that the tube in not caught between tire and rim. Sometimes it will end up between the bead and the bottom of the rim, causing the tire to lift as the tube is inflated. The valve area is especially likely to get caught in the bead. Grab the valve and push it up into the tire so that the tube clears the rim in that area, let the tire seat completely, then pull the valve back into place.

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. Inflate to full pressure only after you confirm that the bead is properly seated all the way around on both sides.