I can't do it! *sob*

[silver]

I like to think that I can do most all the basic things on my bike. But I just tried for an hour to put the continental GP 4000 tires on my wheels. And I COULDN'T do it!!!

I'm so put out!!! i tried all the tricks, including that squeeze the tire up and around thing on TE. Phooey! I'm just a wimpy girl! *pout* *pout*

I know that continentals are known to be tight but this is not the first time that they have been mounted on the wheels. If I can't get them on, then I can't change the tubes out on my own. So, what good are they???

[crazycanuck]

Silver-you're not a wimpy girl!!!! Sheep kappoops no!!! You're the km queen.

I'm sure there's a way to get them on...

C

[silver]

thanks CC. the upside is that I'll just have to ride the new american classic wheels with the continental supersonic tires. i didn't intend to use them for training rides, but my choices are put the old bontrager tires back on, ride the american classics, or not ride at all.

I'll take them to Derek later in the week and see if he can show me how to do it.

Whoops! thought of another option....I could ride the old bike. See another reason to have more than one bike.

[velogirl]

Silver, you're not necessarily a wimpy girl (your term). Have you ever changed tires before? New tires need a little stretching. Just because you can't get them on now doesn't mean you won't be able to change them after they've been on the rims for a week or two.

And if you've never put tires on, don't despair. A good mechanic should be able to show you some little tricks that will help, even with a tight tire/rim match.

Lorri

ps -- I'm no mechanic, but I put new tires on my bf's bike last night while he made dinner for us -- now there's a role reversal for you!

[bacarver]

I tried to put tires on wheels in the past. I do not have the hand strength no matter how much cursing and manhandling I used. I just am not capable.
I've been lucky all these years (nearly 20) in that I rarely ever have flats. I've been able to catch a ride from a trusted neighbor the two times I've lost air due to a nail or piece of glass.
You're a better bikie than me if you can accomplish this.
Good luck!
Barb

[Dogmama]

I'm no mechanic, but I put new tires on my bf's bike last night while he made dinner for us -- now there's a role reversal for you!

That's my family too. I change the tires, he folds the clothes. I win!

Silver - new tires are always tight. After you get a few miles on them, you'll be able to change it. I ride Conti's and the first time I mount the tires is always a struggle.

[silver]

I haven't done a lot of tire changing but I have changed tubes on the side of the road by myself and I've put on new tires by myself before (OK, just once, when I put together my new American Classic wheels). I thought I had strong hands. These 4000's have been on the wheels before. I used them for about 2 weeks back in August.

This morning my hands are sore and scraped.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies.

I'm going to go talk to Derek about them. He's a new machanic that I've just found on the other side of town. He's great about explaining things.