In my life, I have probably changed out hundreds of bike tires, but never have I had such a problem with these. I am changing out a new set of 26" x 1.95" MTB tires onto a set of 26" Matrix Swami alloy rims. The tires are so tight,I had to use steel tire levers as the plastic ones bent and cracked. I lubed the tires with a soapy solution. I ended up pinching the new tubes twice. I had to use all my might to get these tires on then, once on, I filled the front tube to 60 psi and the sidewall separated from the bead wire and blew my 3rd new tube. I assume it separated because I had to use so much force to get it on. I did have to use the tire levers to remove the original 26" x 2.10" tires, but not with any of the force I had to use to install the new ones. My local bike shop only had the 26"x 1.95's in stock. I thought it was the new tires, but I also tried some used 26" MTB tires of different widths and I am running into the same problem. I know swapping out tires isn't rocket science, but there is obviously something wrong. I feel as if I am installing the wrong diameter tires. The real PITA is I am doing this as a favor for someone.
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What am I doing wrong?
- Thread starter HerrOtto
- Start date
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Schwinn Sales West
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Look at the cross section of the rim. What does the "drop center" section look like? If the cross section is super narrow that's your problem.
The tire beads are hanging up on the cross-section lips. The tire bead "has to" drop into the lower section at 6'oclock, as you are pulling the tire bead over the rim edge at 12'oclock. More force will just ruin another tire/tube. It's a finesse over strength thing. Make sure you have only a small amount of air in the tube, just enough to hold it's shape. The tires should be able to be mounted "without any tire levers", one tire bead side at a time. Many times the tire valve is what hangs the beads up and will not let them drop down. Just install the valve cap, and push the valve stem down while your mounting.
Sorry for your battle.
John
The tire beads are hanging up on the cross-section lips. The tire bead "has to" drop into the lower section at 6'oclock, as you are pulling the tire bead over the rim edge at 12'oclock. More force will just ruin another tire/tube. It's a finesse over strength thing. Make sure you have only a small amount of air in the tube, just enough to hold it's shape. The tires should be able to be mounted "without any tire levers", one tire bead side at a time. Many times the tire valve is what hangs the beads up and will not let them drop down. Just install the valve cap, and push the valve stem down while your mounting.
Sorry for your battle.
John
WetDogGraphix
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
juvela
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
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Michelin bicycle conversion table
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3-speeder
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Might be some good info:
www.biketiresdirect.com
Tire Sizing Systems
Several different systems of size markings for bicycle tires are in existence. The modern ISO system is not as familiar as it should be, this article explains it.
www.sheldonbrown.com
Tire Size Charts - BikeTiresDirect 117
A useful chart for determining the tire size you need for your bicycle.
Sounds like you doing everything good. Some rim/tire combo are just pita. Maybe foldable bead tire lay out in sun warm it up might be easier vs wire bead.
I've changed 100s tires too and broke many plastic levers. Finally invested in couple of cushcore levers and makes a difference. Good luck!
www.evo.com
I've changed 100s tires too and broke many plastic levers. Finally invested in couple of cushcore levers and makes a difference. Good luck!
CushCore Bead Dropper Tire Lever
Free Shipping & Lowest Price Guarantee! The CushCore Bead Dropper Tire Lever is in stock now.
www.evo.com
