Tire Irons

[johnmdesigner]

Just spent 2 hours (and ruined 3 tubes) trying to mount a Pro 4 Race on Easton rims. I ended up throwing the tire out the window so if you are in need come up to Harlem and pick it up.
Plastic tire irons are no match for this brute. And not long enough for any leverage.
Can anyone recommend a stout lever with extra length?

Thanks.

(I've even tried the oyster shucking knife)

[AngryScientist]

downhill tire lever mate.

i use this bad boy with the most stubborn tires.

[hockeybike]

I'm a big big fan of this tool:

http://www.treefortbikes.com/product...FUWo4Aoda20A0w

Makes mounting any tire on campy neutrons a cinch. Seriously. Best 10 bucks you'll ever spend. Well, on a bike, at least.

[johnmdesigner]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

downhill tire lever mate.

i use this bad boy with the most stubborn tires.

That will make a great "spoon" for the post ride party.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by johnmdesigner

That will make a great "spoon" for the post ride party.

you know how to roll john...

[DHallerman]

Originally Posted by johnmdesigner

Just spent 2 hours (and ruined 3 tubes) trying to mount a Pro 4 Race on Easton rims. I ended up throwing the tire out the window so if you are in need come up to Harlem and pick it up.
Plastic tire irons are no match for this brute. And not long enough for any leverage.
Can anyone recommend a stout lever with extra length?

Yes, John, but if the fit is so tight, what do you do if -- and I don't wish this on you -- you get a flat somewhere in the wilds of Bergen County?

If it's so fracking hard to get the tire on at home, how hard will it be on the side of the road to get the tire off to replace/repair the tube, and then back on again?

Really, is it the rim or the tire? Do other tires go on easily on that Easton rim? If not, sell those wheels.

Dave, who says dumb blondes never make sense which is the term he uses for things that may look good but don't operate too darn well

[johnmdesigner]

Originally Posted by DHallerman

Yes, John, but if the fit is so tight, what do you do if -- and I don't wish this on you -- you get a flat somewhere in the wilds of Bergen County?

If it's so fracking hard to get the tire on at home, how hard will it be on the side of the road to get the tire off to replace/repair the tube, and then back on again?

Really, is it the rim or the tire? Do other tires go on easily on that Easton rim? If not, sell those wheels.

Dave, who says dumb blondes never make sense which is the term he uses for things that may look good but don't operate too darn well

Dave you are of course wise.
I had a little trouble with these rims with Pro Race 3 but not this bad.
Freezing cold and a flat tire usually gets my blood pressure up enough that I'll chew it off the rim if I have to.
Maybe its a bum tire.
My fingers are bleeding and I'm too tired to try it on another rim.
Prolly just throw the rim out the window too.

[johnmdesigner]

French Tires
Asian Rims
New York nitwit installer

The world in a nutshell.

[tiretrax]

Did you try stretching it?

I had some Easton wheels for a few months. After the third spoke broke, I got rid of them. I had forgotten the difficulty of mounting tires on them. Glad they are gone.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by johnmdesigner

Dave you are of course wise.
I had a little trouble with these rims with Pro Race 3 but not this bad.
Freezing cold and a flat tire usually gets my blood pressure up enough that I'll chew it off the rim if I have to.
Maybe its a bum tire.
My fingers are bleeding and I'm too tired to try it on another rim.
Prolly just throw the rim out the window too.

In my experience, the initially difficult tire becomes less an issue once on the wheel and inflated for some period of time.

when plastic doesnt work, I suggest lezyne alloy or the park tool lever

the lezyne you can carry on the road - the park not so much
http://www.lezyne.com/products/tire-...#!alloy-levers

[Epicus07]

I'll have to pick up one of those Pedros levers. I've snapped quite a few of the plastic variety in my day.

[bironi]

I purchase rims and tires as a match. My preference is by hands only, and as a second the more pointy plastic levers. The more ****ty the local weather, the more I recommend this approach.

[Dromen]

I really hacked up my rims using Kings stainless levers. Not sure of experiences with these, but metal on metal is usually not a good thing.

Originally Posted by pdmtong

In my experience, the initially difficult tire becomes less an issue once on the wheel and inflated for some period of time.

when plastic doesnt work, I suggest lezyne alloy or the park tool lever

the lezyne you can carry on the road - the park not so much
http://www.lezyne.com/products/tire-...#!alloy-levers

[jlwdm]

I bought two pair of the Lezyne levers when they first came out. Looked good but were worthless. Too short to get much of a grip on. Threw both pair away.

Jeff

[GRAVELBIKE]

Pedros levers work really well. Small, strong, and they work really well.

Some tips for mounting stubborn tires:

• Wear thin mechanic-style gloves for better grip and hand protection
• Lube the beads with soapy water or rubbing alcohol
• Don't try to push the bead on/over with your thumbs, use your palms/heels of your hands (gloves help here)
• Warm the tire to improve flexibility (blowdryer, etc)