Help with tires - can someone show me how it's done?

[Ugo51]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if there is a good soul in or around London (SW20) willing to spend some time to teach me how to fit tires.
If I sound desperate, it's because I am.
I changed many tires and I thougth I knew what I was doing, but in the last couple of years I found myself struggling on multiple occasions. Yesterday evening then, the struglle reached a whole new level, as I spent 1h30m to try and fit a Specialized Roubaix on the rim of my Boardman...and it doesn't even sit straight :facepalm:
I am not a complete beginner, and I don't seem to find a video online showing something I don't already know (or think I know). But I must be doing something wrong, and I feel I could really use someone showing me how it's done.
I realize the chances of finding someone local might be slim, but it's worth a shot.
If you can help, message me, I might bring a bottle of wine with me to enjoy while we fit the tires

Thanks!

 

[hamster]

Try this for help with Schwalbe Marathons, widely regarded as being total pigs to fit! Should be instructive on other tyres too...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUFVrl0UT4

 

[Ugo51]

yeah, those tires are nasty...
I had already watched that video, as the first tires I had difficulty fitting were indeed the Marathons, on my MTB. The worst part was that once fitted, the bead didn't sit properly into the rim, and the tire wasn't in line with the rim, if that makes sense.

But here I'm talking of a whole new level, fitting the Roubaix onto the rims of my Boardman is way harder than those already difficult Marathons! I have no idea what's going on.
In the end I managed to fit it, but I still need to find a way to make it sit straight

 

[dunnlyle]

Re:

Hi I haven't got time to watch the video so don't know if this is covered.... but one of the things I have found really helpful is after inflating the tyre for the first time I then deflate fully, check for fit and any inner tube snags etc. The tyre usually readjusts itself on deflation and then when you it pump up again it usually is seated much better on the rim.

Richard

 

[hamster]

yeah, those tires are nasty...
I had already watched that video, as the first tires I had difficulty fitting were indeed the Marathons, on my MTB. The worst part was that once fitted, the bead didn't sit properly into the rim, and the tire wasn't in line with the rim, if that makes sense.

I understand exactly - have similar problems with Marathon Greenguard 1.7 on Mavic 231 rims. The bead is a slightly smaller circumference than the rim's bead seat. It's not noticeable in the UK, but on smooth tarmac in France you can feel the bike bob a little at high speed.

 

[2manyoranges]

Re:

Soap is your friend
A paintbrush and bowl is your friend
Pressure is your friend and rapid pressure is best
Schwalbe tyre mounting fluid is your favourite cousin if soap doesn’t do it

Some rim-tyre combinations are a nightmare
I can get any tyre on any rim
Although it took me an hour to get a magic mary onto a spank rim bite rim even with all the magic I could summon

Make sure the bead can sit in the centre well
Strengthen your thumbs
Use lubrication on the rim - paint soap solution or Schwalbe around the rim
Use a track pump or air shot to inflate

Some good YouTube videos

 

[legrandefromage]

old stainless steel spoons

much better than any tyre lever

 

[2manyoranges]

Re:

Yes to spoons - and you can them play ‘my old man’s a dustman’ on your thigh in celebration afterwards.

 

[oldave]

old stainless steel spoons

much better than any tyre lever

Just so! Any tyres that are 1 hour jobs "at home" are to be avoided - will be impossible with cold, wet, hands in the dark by the road side!

 

[tintin40]

agree spoons are good But on alloy rims they can leave their mark. So treat with caution. Some times I have had the same trouble with fitting new rubber. I still haven't found out why it is harder to fit. Is it due to manufactures making for tubeless fit? So the tire has to be a tighter fit??