Any useful tips for fitting a tyre within the rim

billyhead

I dont often get punctures but when I do (like this morning) it is a right pain in the arse trying to get the last bit of a tyre back within the rim without ruining the thumbs. I was advised to not use the levers for assistance in case I pierce the tube and just use brute force. Are there any useful tips/hints to make it any way easier. BTW its a road bike I am talking about with 700*23 tyres being used.

Beasty

I personally never have a problem with (plastic) levers, you just have to be careful not to pinch the tube with them

However the recommended technique using your hands is to squeeze the tyre into the middle of the rim, starting opposite the last bit of the tyre that you need to get on and working your way round. That should loosen the tyre up a bit and you should be able to mount a bit more. Then repeat until you get the final section on.

victorcarrera

When it starts to get tight inspect the complete circumference of the rim to ensure that the tube is not pinched and push the bead of the tyre into the center of the rim which should give you enough play to slip the last bit on.

D!armu!d

Use both hands on opposite sides of the wheel and meet together at the top. At lot easier to explain by video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RDK9F3jx4U

billyhead

Thanks guys for the advice. much appreciated:)

ibebanging

When ever I get new tyres I always microwave them for about 5 mins, leaves them very soft and flexable !

Wishbone Ash

Some tyres can be very difficult especially puncture resistant ones. Probably frowned upon but I've used my shoes on several occasions to avoid pinching the tube. Hold the wheel at a 45 degree angle with the offending few inches at the ground facing upwards. Place the edge of your heel over the tyre where it remains outside the rim and push the wheel downwards. The leverage combined with the pressure applied with your shoe will usually help pull the tyre over the rim.

ibebanging wrote: »

When ever I get new tyres I always microwave them for about 5 mins, leaves them very soft and flexable !

....yea but finding a socket following a puncture up at the Sally Gap can be a pain!

Cee-Jay-Cee

Get folding Tyres...so much easier than wired Tyres. I can get my Lugano puncture protected tyres on and off in a minute or two, very little effort needed to get the last few inches onto the rim.