Quote Originally Posted by silver View Post
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.