tips and/or tricks for stubborn tires???

[Thorn]

Get thee a bead jack:
http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire.../dp/B001AYML7K

Silly looking tool, but works like a charm on tough new tires. I've never figured out the trick. On the road, I have a VAR Tyre lever. Some day that is going to break and I'm going to be in trouble.

But, for changing tires at home, the Kool Stop bead jack works like a charm even on tire/rim combinations that the bike shop said would be a PITA to install.

[Maxxxie]

What a timely thread. Just yesterday I spent two hours stuffing around with a Conti Gatorskin. I just couldn't get the &^($ thing on. Thumbs, tyre levers, cursing, screaming etc. It was all I could do to even get the first bead on!

I finally succeeded by using tyre levers and "walking" the tyre onto the rim, praying I wouldn't trap the tube and cause a pinch flat. Far out. It was only the thought of having to take it to the shop, complete with wounded pride, that stopped me from giving up. Also, I wanted to have a ride this morning, and by the time I was ready to throw in the towel, it was just past 5pm.. so no chance of anywhere being open anyway.

I really like the idea of some superduper tool to get the tyre onto the rim. Thanks for the heads-up, Thorn!!!

Max

[Catrin]

This thread makes me feel better. I am practicing the process of changing an inner tube - and the process has been pretty simple, until I got to the step of getting the last 6 inches of the tire back on the rim... I don't want to risk puncturing my tube so am trying to avoid reaching for the tire lever to force it back on - but my fingers aren't that strong. I guess I will go back to working with it some more...

The tool looks pretty cool - Thorn thanks for the tip.

[IvonaDestroi]

Get thee a bead jack:
http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire.../dp/B001AYML7K

Oooo that's exactly what I need! No longer must I be terrified of getting a flat on those duros... thanks!

[aicabsolut]

I had to give up on some new wheels with narrow rims. The guys at the shop had a tough time too.

I just read a tip in Bicycling magazine... put the new tire in the clothes dryer on low for a few minutes. The heat will soften the rubber and make it easier to get on the rim. I haven't tried this, but I might the next time I change tires.

[IvonaDestroi]

I had to give up on some new wheels with narrow rims. The guys at the shop had a tough time too.

I just read a tip in Bicycling magazine... put the new tire in the clothes dryer on low for a few minutes. The heat will soften the rubber and make it easier to get on the rim. I haven't tried this, but I might the next time I change tires.

hmmm let me know how it turns out... sounds melty... and what would my nieghbors think? lol!

[Catrin]

However I don't have the tool yet, and have been trying to get the last bit of this tire on for the last hour.... oh well... perhaps this will make my fingers stronger if I keep trying

edited - I DID IT! After 2 hours of playing with that *&%( tire, I got it on and without tools I am STILL going to get that tool though...

[Thorn]

Oooo that's exactly what I need! No longer must I be terrified of getting a flat on those duros... thanks!

Panaracer Duros? Yep, that's the tire. I've installed 2 sets of new ones. No problems. Enjoy you new found power.

[IvonaDestroi]

Panaracer Duros? Yep, that's the tire. I've installed 2 sets of new ones. No problems. Enjoy you new found power.

Nope they're 'speedy arrow'. duro is the model. they're nylon. Made in china. Super thick and heavy - the shop said I'd probably never get a flat with these crazy things. they're a bit on the heavy side though, but worth the trade off cuz theres so much broken glass in our streets. Whenever I let someone borrow a guest bike they always come back with a flat tire

[Catrin]

Get thee a bead jack:
http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire.../dp/B001AYML7K

Silly looking tool, but works like a charm on tough new tires. I've never figured out the trick. On the road, I have a VAR Tyre lever. Some day that is going to break and I'm going to be in trouble.

But, for changing tires at home, the Kool Stop bead jack works like a charm even on tire/rim combinations that the bike shop said would be a PITA to install.

Is it possible that this tool can be kept on the bike, or is it just too large? My hands have a touch of arthritis...

[Thorn]

If you have a rack bag. It is just a skosh too long to fit in a saddle bag.

If you are in Europe, the VAR Tyre lever works well on the road and is small enough for a saddle bag. But I haven't seen them from a US-based web site in years. (e.g., http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-V...-Lever-903.htm ). To order one from overseas you'd pay more in shipping than the lever itself.

[Catrin]

If you have a rack bag. It is just a skosh too long to fit in a saddle bag.

If you are in Europe, the VAR Tyre lever works well on the road and is small enough for a saddle bag. But I haven't seen them from a US-based web site in years. (e.g., http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-V...-Lever-903.htm ). To order one from overseas you'd pay more in shipping than the lever itself.

Oh well, it was worth the question. Pity that the VAR Tyre Lever isn't available here but that is how things go sometimes. Thanks!

[Maxxxie]

Oh well, it was worth the question. Pity that the VAR Tyre Lever isn't available here but that is how things go sometimes. Thanks!

SJS ship overseas. In fact, I just ordered one of the VAR levers yesterday. $30 AUD delivered to the land of Oz. That sounds like a lot for a tyre lever, and it is. But I'd rather spend the dollars and not have to waste another two hours of my life. The VAR levers will be for my saddle bag. I'm also going to order the Koolstop bead jack from Amazon. Inexplicably, they won't deliver it to Australia. So I'm having it sent to my dad in Illinois, and he'll send it on to me. So whether I'm at home, or on the road, I need never struggle with my #*^#%$ Gatorskin again!!

Max

[Maxxxie]

SJS ship overseas. In fact, I just ordered one of the VAR levers yesterday. $30 AUD delivered to the land of Oz. That sounds like a lot for a tyre lever, and it is. But I'd rather spend the dollars and not have to waste another two hours of my life. The VAR levers will be for my saddle bag. I'm also going to order the Koolstop bead jack from Amazon. Inexplicably, they won't deliver it to Australia. So I'm having it sent to my dad in Illinois, and he'll send it on to me. So whether I'm at home, or on the road, I need never struggle with my #*^#%$ Gatorskin again!!

Max

Well, I got the VAR levers about a week ago, and put them into my saddle bag. Last night, I got a flat on the way home, so I got my first chance to try them out. I got the tyre off with my regular levers, changed the tube, and got it all fitted back onto the wheel (with the VAR lever) in under 15 minutes. That is an all-time record!!!!

VAR levers: $20
Postage: $10
Not spending 2 hours on the side of the road struggling with a tyre: Priceless

Max

[IvonaDestroi]

If you have a rack bag. It is just a skosh too long to fit in a saddle bag.

If you are in Europe, the VAR Tyre lever works well on the road and is small enough for a saddle bag. But I haven't seen them from a US-based web site in years. (e.g., http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-V...-Lever-903.htm ). To order one from overseas you'd pay more in shipping than the lever itself.

ooooo ahhhh that's even better- darn it 30 bux???? really?! I want one... god knows i'd probably break it though. Hmmmm.... I think I still want one. I'm gonna google around...