Felt like a doofus, but I was vindicated...

[roadie gal]

I don't do a whole lot of wrenching on my bike. I'm not mechanically inclined. That's just the way it is. BUT I DO know how to change a tire.

The other day I noticed a split in my back tire. So I decided to change it. I had a tire sitting around in my garage that I had bought ages ago. I got the wheel off of the bike, no problem. The old tire also came off, no problem. THEN the problems began. I could not get the new tire on. I wrestled, and grunted, and swore, and sacraficed my knuckles and nails. I even broke a tire lever. FINALLY the sucker went on.

So I put the wheel back on the bike and went to blow up the tire... and all I heard was SSSSsssssss as the tube that I had macerated in my struggles deflated.

I swore again and went to look for a spare tube to start the whole @#@$#$ process over. But it seems that I had used them up. *sigh*

At that point I figured that this was a message from G-d and took the wheel off again and took the whole darn thing with me to my LBS. I walked in and told them that they were welcome to laugh at me but to please change my tire. I felt like such a doofus!

BUT, VINDICATION! It took 2 of their techs about 20 minutes to change the silly thing. They kept asking, "Are you sure this tire is the right size?" Of course it was. It was just a very tight tire. Now I don't feel so stupid. And I have a new tire to ride on. yay!

[mimitabby]

Roadie, it sounds like you learned a lot. And yes, you were vindicated. Next time it will come off easier
good for you!

[smilingcat]

If its of any help and I don't know if it is good/bad or not. Maybe debW?? would know.

In situation like this I use bit (I mean really small amount like a film) of regular bar soap around the bead and just moisten the bead. It makes a world of difference.

If debW reads this let me know if this is a bad practice or not recommended, so so or go for it.

smilingcat.

[roadie gal]

The guys at the shop put some baby powder in the tire before putting in the tube so it'll come out easier next time. I thought that was a cool trick.

[smilingcat]

The guys at the shop put some baby powder in the tire before putting in the tube so it'll come out easier next time. I thought that was a cool trick.

The other thing is to keep the spare tube in a zip lock bag with small amount of baby powder. Does the same thing and you don't have to be carrying a bottle of baby powder on your ride.

[DebW]

If its of any help and I don't know if it is good/bad or not. Maybe debW?? would know.

In situation like this I use bit (I mean really small amount like a film) of regular bar soap around the bead and just moisten the bead. It makes a world of difference.

If debW reads this let me know if this is a bad practice or not recommended, so so or go for it.

smilingcat.

SC, I've never used soap to install a tire onto a rim, but I have used liquid soap to help the bead to seat after the tire is installed for cases where the bead doesn't rise when the tire is inflated. I don't see any downside to your idea.

Another recommendation is the Kool Stop Tire Jack for installing stubborn tires. Lifts the bead onto the rim without pinching the tube. Kinda big (9", 3 oz) to carry with you on the bike but a great home tool.