Looking for help with tyre fitting

[CommanderChuff]

Dear Retrobikers,

The preparations for Eroica California are progressing and the Holdsworth has been treated to new clinchers for the occasion. I have got a new pair of H Plus Sons highly polished rims for the ride. The rims have been built onto some NOS Campy hubs and are looking really good and authentic. The wheel builder was very impressed with the quality of the rim and its design.

However, I am not having an easy time fitting tyres to the rims, I am using new Vittoria Rubino Pro 25 tyres, and have struggled to get just one installed without nipping the tube. I have fitted tyres on my other bikes but without so many problems, and will continue to persevere with the new wheels. They do seem to have a straighter sharper edge than my other wheels which may not be helping. Perhaps talc or silicone lubricant may help? Or perhaps another make of tyre may be the answer.

Could you advise on any tips?

 

[Nob]

if you have a spare clincher wheel or rim then install the new tyre onto the rim pump up to full pressure & leave for 2-3 days as it will stretch out the new tyre.

Then just transfer across to the rims you will use & you should find it easier to put them on.

That's what I do for all my tyres including tubulars if I find them really tight to go onto the wheels I intend to use.

 

[CommanderChuff]

Re:

Nob,

Thanks for that helpful tip, and i will give that a try, I had another go and used talc this time and the process seemed a little easier, practice makes perfect I suppose,

 

[t47b]

Re:

Fit the tyre without the tube to practice/stretch the tyre beforehand.

Then Fit one side of the tyre then make sure that the bead of the fitted side is central to the rim not touching the edge of the rim, the center of the rim has the smallest diameter of the wheel and will make fitting easier, fit the tube with a small amount of air in it, fit the second bead next to the valve first work your way round each side of the valve in turn always making sure the other bead of the tyre is pushed into the center of the rim. Use a toe strap around the tyre to give you a spare hand.

Fitting tyres this way means that on most occasions you can fit tyres without using tyre levers, I fit schwalbe marathons this way with just my thumbs.

 

[t47b]

Re:

In case that doesn't make sense...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUFVrl0U ... uboHsbNO9w

 

[CommanderChuff]

Thanks for that, it is really most useful to learn how the experts do it properly, I like the idea of the smallest rim diameter and the toe strap.

Thanks again,

 

[bagpuss]

Re:

I always use one of these . Never had an issue with the tighest fitting tyre .
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-44397/

 

[CommanderChuff]

Re:

Excellent and helpful response, thanks.

After a bit of practice and understanding the tips posted I managed to get 3 tyres fitted, the last without using levers. Then serviced 2 Campy monoblocks and front wheel axle. Blimey.

It was like old times when I rummaged through my old tool chest to find tools which hadn't seen the light of day since I built a Ferrari sportscar (replica) in the 90's, and several old Triumph motorcycles in the 80's, and worked on aircraft in the 70's.

Ahhhh, the joy of dirty fingernails, skinned knuckles, tiny bits flying off into the dark corners, it's all coming back. But it is satisfying to build something yourself and to ride it.

Thanks again,