Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Ralph on January 29, 2013 at 6:56pm

pedro's tire levers.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Markus on January 29, 2013 at 7:50pm

By any other name they smell as sweet....

Pedro's used to be made from recycled plastic nice, light but some times not as good for road tires. The tight road tires are easiest done with a good set of metal 'spoons' that have the lil' hook on the other end that catches a spoke and allows easier tire mounting.

If you're talking a fat tire (AKA mountain bike) then the Pedro's might do the trick but if you're having probs why not hedge yer bets and go with the metal (schmitt da hook) just to make things easier.

HOWEVER the levers can open up a can of OOPS by pinching the tube during install so practice, practice, practice.

Jeff

Permalink Reply by Juan Primo on January 30, 2013 at 1:44am

It sounds like your bf doesn't use tire tools.  Kind of a he-man move.... totally unnecessary for him to show off since he already has a girlfriend.  I can mount a tire with out levers too but I'm secure enough that I don't need to show off to the ladies.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on January 30, 2013 at 2:11am

agreed..use levers.  I'm almost a he man and still have to use them.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 30, 2013 at 3:36am

another tip - use two levers. one to secure the (metal beaded part of the) tire inside the rim, and another lever to rotate around the rim and 'seat' the tire properly.

 

FYI - I would never use anything metal to do this, but maybe that's jsut me...

 

DB

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 30, 2013 at 3:44am

Don't use levers to get the tire on, it is a good way to pich the tube.

The key is to use the palm of your hands and put the tire on one side at a time.  Push the bead down into the center of the rim to get extra space and youshould be able to get most tires on by hand.  If not skip the tire lever and get one of these (although I suggest you buy it at your local bike shop and not online) to get the really tough part on.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 30, 2013 at 4:58am

Go here and choose from many, many videos on how to fix a flat on a bicycle, although this one is more appropriately titled How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire (w/o your boyfriend's help). You can do it, Agnieszka.

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on January 30, 2013 at 5:02am

Bead jack saves the day!

Permalink Reply by Agnieszka Z. on January 30, 2013 at 6:45am

Thanks much for this useful help, people!

Yes, that can of Oops that Jeff and notoriousDUG mention--the potential for levers to lead to a punctured tube--is indeed why my bf was reluctant to endorse tire levers for putting the tire back on (he likes them fine to take the tire off). He'll get a kick out of having been diagnosed with machoism. ;-)

I'll watch the videos that Gene recommends AND get the bead jack.

Permalink Reply by Agnieszka Z. on January 30, 2013 at 7:03am

By the way, I watched three of these videos now, and in each the final stage of mounting the tire is an effortless, toolless, breeze. Ha.

Permalink Reply by David Barish on January 30, 2013 at 7:32am

Certain rims paired with certain tires can be difficult especially with road tires.  Fear not, when you get a flat on the road it will be easier than it is to do in your home.  The adrenalin rush of having to deal with the tire while you are out there will make you stronger. Of course, its not a bad idea to have two spares in case you pinch the first one while fighting to get it on.

Permalink Reply by Agnieszka Z. on January 30, 2013 at 9:22am

Yes, perhaps it was adrenaline I was lacking. :-) 

Here's a fun little video showing the frustration (apparently it doesn't discriminate when it comes to gender) and the bead jack salvation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtbT8EOgtKM

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