Mounting Challenge Strada Biancas

[merlinmurph]

Any tips for mounting a set of Challenge Strada Biancas?

I just went thru round 1 and the tire won. This "open tubular" design is a bit challenging.

The rims are Pacenti SL25's, which can be challenging themselves, but not bad if you keep the tire bead centered on the rim. However, doing that seems impossible with these tires because there's no shape.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Murph

[Cicli]

Put them in the drier for a bit.

[icepick_trotsky]

They are a bear for the first time for sure. Second time around (after flat) I didn't even need levers.

[stien]

Lay 'em in the sun, and like the above said: second time you don't need levers.

[ltwtsculler91]

I've had success mounting them on the rims sans tubes to stretch out for a day or two before putting them back on for good.

As everyone else has said, they're a bitch to get on the first time but definitely stretch out after that

[charliedid]

Talc tube and tire a bit

Lay wheel flat on workbench with valve stem away from you

Install the bottom side bead (starting closest to you working around to the valve stem opening) onto the rim pushing all the way down to seat flush against rim wall

Lay your very slightly inflated tube on top of wheel and starting closest to you, grab the tire with both hands (6-10 inches apart) and wrap that section of tube inside the tire while pushing the top section of the bead into the rim well. The trick is to not let go and continue up the sides wrapping the tube with the tire. You might need to let out some air. It helps to push the wheel against the back of the bench/wall to keep pressure on.

Once you get beyond 50% of the tire on it should (haha) go on the rest of the way like a regular tire.

Have fun

[FlashUNC]

Once used a 650c tube to mount it on a 700 wheels if you're pinching tubes.

Their tires are just the worst.

[MerckxMad]

Originally Posted by ltwtsculler91

I've had success mounting them on the rims sans tubes to stretch out for a day or two before putting them back on for good.

As everyone else has said, they're a bitch to get on the first time but definitely stretch out after that

This is my favored technique. Gin and tonic after mounting helps heal sore thumbs. Just sayin'.

[velofinds]

Do you have a couple of toe straps (as in the kind used with toe clips) handy? If so, evenly space those and cinch tight at a couple of points along the rim; these are effectively your second pair of hands. With your (now) free hands, work the tire onto the uncinched part of the rim using a tire lever if you have one.

Good luck- as with all things, the job becomes much easier with the right tools.

[Brian Cdn]

Originally Posted by MerckxMad

This is my favored technique. Gin and tonic after mounting helps heal sore thumbs. Just sayin'.

Warm tire and spray windex on inside of tire has worked for me...

Gin 'n tonic optional

[palincss]

Originally Posted by merlinmurph

Any tips for mounting a set of Challenge Strada Biancas?

I just went thru round 1 and the tire won. This "open tubular" design is a bit challenging.

The rims are Pacenti SL25's, which can be challenging themselves, but not bad if you keep the tire bead centered on the rim. However, doing that seems impossible with these tires because there's no shape.

Am I missing something?

I had the same fun with Parigi Roubaix. I needed tools to mount them, and I had to use a toe strap to hold the bead on as I went around the tire, otherwise what I'd installed before would jump off. I did it first without tubes installed, and let the tire sit for a week mounted on a rim. It stretched enough that afterwards mounting was much easier.

[merlinmurph]

OK, it's not just me.

I'll mount them to another set of rims for now to stretch them out and let them sit for a few days. A few beers in the meantime.

Glad to hear that they're OK after that. I started wondering what would happen if I flatted.

Thanks guys,
Murph

[oliver]

Hopefully you won't flat (I don't really).

[superbowlpats]

Originally Posted by merlinmurph

OK, it's not just me.

I'll mount them to another set of rims for now to stretch them out and let them sit for a few days. A few beers in the meantime.

Glad to hear that they're OK after that. I started wondering what would happen if I flatted.

Thanks guys,
Murph

after breaking a few tire irons (plastic) and pinching 3 tubes i sold them to a friend. best bet is to mount with no tubes and let them stretch. then get a friend to help you mount them

[MaraudingWalrus]

My set were a bit of a bear to get on initially, but practically fall (in comparison) after that. Same with all the Challenge tires I've had.

I recommend tubeless tape in lieu of thicker Velox or Newbaum's cloth tape. Makes it easier in the future. Ordering a small pile of Silca's tubeless tape for this purpose for myself and a few folks with wheelsets I've built and similar tires.