Help! I can't mount my #%$@^$& tire!!!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Tire in question, 650CC Conti Gatorskins. Not the foldable kind. Somehow, I can't mount those darn things. The guy at my bike shop can, but I can't. What am I doing wrong? Dude told me to start pushing them in with my palms and thumbs from the valve part of the rim and I'm gold. But, it doesn't work. It keeps popping out somewhere else when I try to force it into the rim. I don't mind breaking a nail but something tells me that this tire will probably end in a ripped out fingernail...

[Biciclista]

I would just take it to the LBS... and pay them.. and walk away happy..

[ny biker]

Get a Kool-Stop.

http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire.../dp/B001AYML7K

[Dogmama]

Get a Kool-Stop.

http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire.../dp/B001AYML7K

+1
Conti's are a PIA to mount. After they've been on the bike for a few hundred miles, they're easier (read: if you get a flat after awhile, it shouldn't be so hard.) But initially - lotsa swearing. I bought a Kool-Stop & have no problems. I love Conti's.

[Chicken Little]

I just stuck a pair on. Got so irritated, I threw them in the dryer. Those bastards when on after that. I think I scared them.

[Chicken Little]

Hope I didn't offend with the bastards remark. I was really steaming.

[Wahine]

Two tricks to try. Wet the edge of the tire a bit. Mount the tire first at the valve stem with you standing and the lower edge of the rim on the floor. As you work the tire on, also push the tire down on the rim towards the floor. This should work some slack into the system such that by the time you get to the last bit you can pick the wheel up, wedge the close edge into your hip crease and roll the tire on by pushing away from you using the heels of your hands.

Hope that helps.

[Hartmame]

I was just having this problem with a Conti contact sport I finally used two quick sticks and was able to get it on but then I couldn't get it to seat properly. When I asked around I kept hearing ...use water or windex on the bead?

[azfiddle]

I had a problem with a new tire last fall. I spent 30 minutes being frustrated and took it to the shop. Took the mechanic about one minute. No charge, though I would have happily paid.

[tzvia]

Some tires are just that way and I find the folding bead ones to (generally) be easier to deal with. I've had to deal with that same tire in 700c and while it is a great tire for our less than perfect roads and can take a load of punishment, it's a &^%$# to put on.

A small bit of soapy water on the bead of the tires helps them slip on although some people have claimed (from mounting tubeless MTB tires using STANS) that the trapped moisture caused their rims to corrode. I've never seen this myself even though I've used a lot of soapy water to mount and seal my tubeless MTB tires. Start by making sure that the tire, as it is pushed on the rim, falls into the center of the rim where it is usually deeper, and as was mentioned, you can push the rim down on the ground to trap the tire there as you work your way around. Sometimes, if the tire just keeps slipping from the other end I use a Pedros tire lever on that side, holding it so that the tire can't back out, as I manipulate the other side. And I admit I've had to use a lever for the last bit, but you must be careful not to pinch and slice the tube if you do so.