Mounting tires on Niobium Aero Rims

[Sandy]

I bought two sets of wheels to replace the wheels that I used prior to them wearing out over time. Both of the new sets of wheels use Niobium aero rims- one 27 mm and the other 30 mm. I tried today to mount my 700x25 Continental GP 4000 tires on the 30 mm rims. I found out first that the 36 mm valve stem tubes do not work because of the depth of the rims. I had a lot of difficulty in taking the tire off the rim. I then tried to put the tire on the other 30 mm Niobium rim and just gave up temporariy as I know that I need different tubes with a longer stem and because it was extremely difficult in mounting the tires.

Is the difficulty I am having mounting the tires and taking them off (I don't use tire levers- never had to in the past with other tires) a function of my inability, or the rim, or both?

THANK YOU FOR ANY INSIGHT.


Sandy

[theprep]

The Niobium Rims are indeed tough to get tires on/off. Mine have Velox rim tape which is thick and makes it tougher.

Try thinner rim strips, Velo plugs or Vittoria tires (big and loose).

[coylifut]

it's the rims. wanna know how I know. because you've never had problems with other rims. lots of insight there hey?
:p

[davids]

Sandy,

All I can offer is the nearly meaningless insight that it's hard to know how a given rim and tire are going to get along.

I've got a set of wheels built with Niobium 30 rims (with Ritchey rimstrips), and found it very difficult to get Veloflex Paves mounted. After the Paves have been inflated for a while, they become much more compliant, though, and changing tires has been pretty easy.

I went through a period where I almost always punctured at least one tube when mounting new tires. I've found that a couple things help:

1. Mount the tires completely (both beads) without mounting the tube. Sort of like pre-stretching tubulars, I think. After they've been mounted for a short time (10-15 minutes), unseat one bead, insert the tube, and then carefully work the tube over the rim and "into" the tire. Then re-mount the tire on the second bead, checking to make sure that the tube's safely out from under the tire's bead.

2. Take your time. I found this made the biggest difference for me. I only mount tires when I'm not feeling rushed. Perversely, I get it done faster.

I really like my Niobium 30 wheels. They definitely require the longer valves!

[Fixed]

bro you think conti's are hard wait till you try to put some mich's on imho
cheers

[weiwentg]

bro you think conti's are hard wait till you try to put some mich's on imho
cheers

huh? my mich tires went onto my Mike Garcia rims fairly easily.

[lincolnsydney]

Put the tyres on a radiator for a bit :)

[Sandy]

Thanks for the responses. Very informative and helpful.


Sandy

[soulspinner]

Put the tyres on a radiator for a bit :)


Bingo :beer: