Help with getting tire on rim.

[ladyicon]

Maybe one of you girls have a trick getting the tire all the way on the rim. I put on new tube, and new tire, but just can't get that last little bit of the tire on the rim. UGH! So frustrating. and I told my DH that I did not need help, so he went to Costco, I would like to be done by the time he returns. I will stay on line, you can PM if you could help. Thanks in advance.

[VeloVT]

You can use a lever to push it on. Slip the flat end of the lever under the tire bead and over the top of the rim, and just push up. You have to be careful not to pinch the tube though.

As you get more experienced at changing tires, you will learn the trick of rolling the tire on to the rim. I'm not sure I can really explain it very well, but there's a particular motion that you use with the heels of your hands that will get most tires on the rim, even if they seem tough at first.

Some tires are just tight though, especially when they're new.

[Eden]

I haven't tried this, though I've heard it works. Carefully warm the tire with a hair dryer - don't get it hot! just warm it.

When you get to that last little bit use the heels of your hands (use both hands) to push it onto the rim. It might help to wear your cycling gloves or use a rag to protect the skin of your palms.

[ladyicon]

Thanks for the help. My husband came home and got it on for me . I heard that the Crank Bros. speed lever makes it much easier. Does anyone have experience with this tool?

[Grog]

Sometimes it can be very hard. But I've found that "building slack" into the tire usually works.

Basically you hold the tire with both hands like a big driving wheel and rock the tire all the way around. Then you try to push it in. If it doesn't work right away, do it again.

It's well described here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/content.ep?file=asa_levers

I will use levers to pull tires off quickly but never to put them back on.

This being said, some wheels can be really, really tough, campi wheels have a really bad reputation for that.

[Norse]

I am usually unsuccessful getting that last bit on unless I use a lever as liza explained. You do need to be careful, but I have not lost a tube yet!