Tyre changing problems

bogmanfan

Howdy folks, got my first puncture on the new bike last night. Normally not a problem, but the tyre was almost impossible to remove. Actually snapped a tyre lever trying to get it off. Then when the new tube went in, it was even harder to get it back on the rim. Seemed the tyre was too small for the rim Ended up throwing in the towel after 20 mins and walking the bike home (luckily only 15mins). Took nearly an hour at home to get the tyre back onto the rim.
I've changed tyres before without this kind of hassle. Any tips? Wheels and tyres are both Bontrager by the way. I have read of others having problems with Bontrager rims. Are there any other wheels/tyre combinations that would be easier to fix at the roadside?

rp

The hardest tyres to fit I've come across is the Marathon Plus, but luckily you don't get much opportunity to practice.
This video helped me, and the tips should apply to other tyres/rims as well.

kuro_man

Hard to find now, but I have a VAR tyre lever - works a treat

Surveyor11

Haven torn out most of my hair yesterday trying to fit a new Panaracer Ribmo, I can add a few words of wisdom. Tried putting the tyre in the hot press. No luck. Tried it in the tumble drier. No luck. and a boll*cking from the Mrs.:pac:

Firstly, RP's link to the video is invaluable and goes a great way to helping to demonstrate the principles behind this problem.

However, haven tried this and failed, I noticed that the rim tape on some tyres (mine are Mavic Askiums) can be a bit too thick (a layer of plastic in this case), and cuts down the distance for the bead making the tyre impossible to fit. Replacing the plastic rim tape with a more flexible option (i used some bog standard tape, but will replace this with proper rim tape when I get to the LBS) will give you that few extra millimeters and make it a lot easier to fit that tyre.

Civilian_Target

The best tips I've seen are:
- Put a little bit of air in the inner tube before putting it in place
- When you're putting the tyre around the second rim, push the first tire wall into the well at the centre of the wheel on the opposite side, this gives you a bit more clearance for the bit you're pushing in. This means that you should not finish opposite the valve, because you can't do that if the valve's in the way.

doc1976

One of the guys in cycleways told me to rub some washing up liquid around the tyre rim. He swore by it!!

Wishbone Ash

Surveyor11 wrote: »

Haven torn out most of my hair yesterday trying to fit a new Panaracer Ribmo

The Ribmo are difficult alright. I fitted a pair recently and it took a while. I used the old cable tie trick to make it easier but for a while I was convinced that the tyres were the wrong size.

It was difficult enough doing it in the comfort of the kitchen floor. I wouldn't like to be doing it at the side of the road on a dark wet night.

Surveyor11

Just finished a rear Rimbo, 700 x 25. Have to say it was a pure b8tch to fit - punctured the tube a few times. I tried all the tips, except the washing up liquid one! So fingers crossed. I have a 28 on the front wheel, and that one I can get on by hand!

iverjohnston

Hi all,
Washing up liquid works OK, but it contains salt, so perhaps not so good for your alloy rims (or washing cars etc) Try blagging a dollop of the proper tyre lubricant from your local car/tacctor/truck tyre place. Barrier cream for your hands seems to be practically the same stuff.
Nigel in Cavan

kuro_man

Try blagging a dollop of the proper tyre lubricant from your local car/tacctor/truck tyre place

...or borrow the...:cough:...KY