[f3rg]

I have a set of wheels built up around Sun-Ringle Assault rims. My first tires--Kenda Kalientes--went on with a lot of trouble, but I could at least get them on.

Next up, Maxxis Re-Fuses went on, with slightly less trouble, but still not easy at all.

Last week, I tried a pair of Vittoria Diamante Pros, even took them to the LBS to ask for help, and they were absolutely a no-go. So, I got some Panaracer Evo 3s, and it's the same deal. Tried for an hour, thumbs bruised and skinned, and there's no way in hell they're going on.

So, WTF? Is this a common occurrence, or did I just get a really POS set of rims?

 

[gr8blues]

The sun rims I had were tough to get tires on. Hutchinson tires seem to be a bit easier to get on in my experience.

 

[old'n'slow]

This is THE tool for stubborn tires and rims. Very easy to use...

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL401I11-Kool-Stop+Tire+Bead+Jack+With+Handle.aspx

 

[f3rg]

Hutchinsons are either 23c or too heavy. I'm wanting something lighter and fast rolling in a 25c.

 

[f3rg]

This is THE tool for stubborn tires and rims. Very easy to use...

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL401I11-Kool-Stop+Tire+Bead+Jack+With+Handle.aspx

Tried, failed. The LBS guys did, too. That thing may help with some tires that can get the first side on the rim, but not if neither side will go on.

 

[9.8m/s/s]

I had the same issue with a Vittoria. 3 broken tire levers, bruised and blistered thumbs. I finally gave up and left it overnight in with about 4 inches sticking out. Came back the next morning and was able to pop it in with my thumbs. Either it stretched out or I just was having a really off night.

 

[f3rg]

Just how much does a Kevlar bead stretch, though?

 

[Erion929]

Novice here, but just a thought.....what about leaving them out in the hot sun, or put in a clothes dryer for a heated spin?

**

 

[Salsa_Lover]

sometimes it helps to check out the positioning of the oposite end of the tyre in the bead. I had this with a set of clinchers that refused to go in, carefuly put the side ( that was alread in, closer and aligne to the other rim bead, then it went it easily.

 

[Mr. Versatile]

Try this. You might have to use a little soapy water, but IME it's never failed even when putting notoriously tight tires on Campy rims, which are notoriously too big.

http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Speed-Tire-Lever/dp/B003RZB1HQ

I've tried the Kool Stop bead jacker & didn't like it.

 

[Dave Hickey]

I sold Dura Ace 7701 wheels because tires where too hard to mount... I had visions of getting a flat in the middle of nowhere..

 

[f3rg]

Try this. You might have to use a little soapy water, but IME it's never failed even when putting notoriously tight tires on Campy rims, which are notoriously too big.

http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Speed-Tire-Lever/dp/B003RZB1HQ

I've tried the Kool Stop bead jacker & didn't like it.

Yep, I have one of those, too. Doesn't help a bit.

Salsa_Lover: I continuously check to make sure the entire bead is centered in the rim as I work my way around, so that's not the issue, either.

 

[cwg_at_opc]

i have a quik stik in each bike bag, which is almost foolproof:

http://www.amazon.com/Quik-Stik-Tire-Changer-colors-vary/dp/B0026LJTPI

i also have soma steel core levers which are great.

 

[CActuskid]

GOT SPIT? It works!

old trick my ride leader showed me one day while I was trying to get a tire on a girls bike (It was a very tight one)

 

[froze]

Problem is that once you get the tire on and you celebrate your success, then you ride down the road and someday get a flat, what a pain that will be, and your celebration turns into a sailors drunken braw trying to get it off then back on again. Usually once their on for awhile their a tad easier to take off and put back on, but note I said a tad!

I've used the VAR Super Tire Tool with great success with tough tires like the Specialized Armadillo All Condition Pro, and the current Kenda Konstrictors, and it's small enough to put in the seat bag. See: http://compare.ebay.com/like/310238521852?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

But if using a specialty tool fails then you need to slick up the tire with either soap or talcum powder on the beads. I prefer the talcum (baby) powder because it doesn't leave any moisture inside the tire and leaves the tire fresh smelling...Huh? Ok, the fresh smelling part isn't really important!

Also once you get those bad boys on, eventually they have to come off and plastic or nylon tire irons will snap then you'll be really screwed with no way to get the tire off, so you need to buy a pair of tough tire irons like these: http://store.somafab.com/stcotile.html You should buy and carry two pair, in case one does break by chance; but they are the best levers on the market.

Edit: here's how to use the VAR just in case you get one: http://randonneurextra.blogspot.com/2009/02/making-life-easier-var-tire-lever.html

And this place has the VAR cheaper then the E-bay site I gave: http://www.biketoolsetc.com/Products/VR-425C.html

 

[estone2]

(It was a very tight one)

Totally code

 

[jmlapoint]

I would skip the fool-proof tools and try to find a tire you can mount on your rims. I had a set of rims that were very difficult to mount. I went to LBS and tried multiple tires until I found one I liked that I could mount by hand.

If you are unable to find any, then maybe a new set of rims is in order.

Like others have said, even if you can force a tire on your rim, can you change a flat on the road....?

john

 

[spookyload]

Soapy water helps get them on. Like others have said, make sure you can get it back off if you do get a flat. Some tires will stretch btw. Pro Race 3 tires are a bit hard to get on at first, but after a few rides, come off fairly easy.

 

[veloduffer]

I've used the VAR Super Tire Tool with great success with tough tires like the Specialized Armadillo All Condition Pro, and the current Kenda Konstrictors, and it's small enough to put in the seat bag. See: http://compare.ebay.com/like/310238521852?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Edit: here's how to use the VAR just in case you get one: http://randonneurextra.blogspot.com/2009/02/making-life-easier-var-tire-lever.html

And this place has the VAR cheaper then the E-bay site I gave: http://www.biketoolsetc.com/Products/VR-425C.html

+1 on the VAR tool. I've used one for over 15 yrs. One of the hardest combinations was a Campy rim with a Michelin tire - could only be accomplished with a VAR.

There are certain tires that are always tough (Vittoria, Michelin). The easier ones that I like to ride are Vredstein Fortezza and Bontrager Race X.

 

[Mel Erickson]

Soapy water helps get them on. Like others have said, make sure you can get it back off if you do get a flat. Some tires will stretch btw. Pro Race 3 tires are a bit hard to get on at first, but after a few rides, come off fairly easy.

Hot tires (throw them in the dryer) and soapy water should do the trick. Won't help on the road, though. Hopefully the tires have stretched enough by then.