First tube swap

[LocalLad]

Hmm....

After having read many of threads here, I decided to try changing a tube just so I know what to do if I'm stuffed in the middle of nowhere

After some huffing and puffing, I got the tube out, popped it back in, and managed to get the tire back on. Great. Then put a little air in the tire, to hear the hiss of a puncture....

I'm guessing I managed to nip the tube either with the tire levers, or with the tire lever.

So, now I need to do it all again...grrr, hopefully will be more successful next time!

 

[vickster]

Ah well, practice makes perfect before inflating check the tube isn't trapped, I run around the rim with an old magnum ice cream stick which I keep with the tyre levers

 

[LocalLad]

Mmmm magnum


Sorry, what were we saying..ah, yeah, bikes!

In hindsight, I'm glad I buggered it up in the garage, not 30 miles from home!

Might grab an ice lolly stick out the freezer - worth a try

 

[Smurfy]

1. The tube should be installed slightly inflated, but only enough to make it fill out. You should have one crease when you hang it off your finger. This will minimise the risk of tube pinching.
2. Use thumbs only. Do not use tyre levers to reinstall the tyre. The only exception is specialist tyre levers* that can lift the bead over the rim without the risk of damaging the tube.
3. Check for trapped tube between rim and tyre bead by squeezing the tyre between thumb and finger to check that you can see the rim tape. Work your way around the whole rim and on each side before inflating to working pressure.

* http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/koolstop-koolstop-tyre-mate-prod34684/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/var-tyre-levers-prod27539/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/bbb-easy-tyre-fitting-tool-btl-78-prod33794/

 

[LocalLad]

Great tips, thanks.

Though there's no way that tire was going back on without levers...or perhaps I've just got wussy thumbs

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Some tyres are harder than others to fit - but most can be persuaded to go on without using levers. This video shows a Marathon Plus being fitted and they are rather inflexible. Same principal for any beaded tyre.


View: https://youtu.be/-XUFVrl0UT4

 

[cyberknight]

1. The tube should be installed slightly inflated, but only enough to make it fill out. You should have one crease when you hang it off your finger. This will minimise the risk of tube pinching.
2. Use thumbs only. Do not use tyre levers to reinstall the tyre. The only exception is specialist tyre levers* that can lift the bead over the rim without the risk of damaging the tube.
3. Check for trapped tube between rim and tyre bead by squeezing the tyre between thumb and finger to check that you can see the rim tape. Work your way around the whole rim and on each side before inflating to working pressure.

* http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/koolstop-koolstop-tyre-mate-prod34684/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/var-tyre-levers-prod27539/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/bbb-easy-tyre-fitting-tool-btl-78-prod33794/

+1 to number 3 !

 

[screenman]

I hate that video, it is so wrong to me.

 

[LocalLad]

Anything in particular wrong with it?

Going to spend some time with the bike today to replace it again. Really glad I tried this on my old bike first!

 

[cyberknight]

Cant do tyres without a lever at the end but i have early arthritis in my thumbs.

 

[Andy_R]

That chappie from Spa cycles must be able to push nails into oak planks with his thumbs

 

[LocalLad]

Can confirm that today's attempt was much more successful! One tube in!

I agree on the need for a lever at the end - though I managed more easily today.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

I hate that video, it is so wrong to me.

I kind of agree that he over complicates things a bit - but cold Marathon Plus tyres are pigs to fit (fortunately they tend to be fit and forget because they don't get flats very often) and old toe straps do help.

 

[Tom B]

I can get most tyres on without levers. (never tried really skinny tyres).

My top tip is to keep going around the tyre pushing the bead into the centre of the wheel to give you the space needed. Dusting new or damp tyres with talc is a trick i got from an old LBS as a kid.

Swearing helps too.

 

[Poacher]

Apart from @YellowTim 's tips, I'd also recommend @Tom B 's use of talc. Before fitting a new tyre, I always push some talc round the inside of it with my thumb to spread it over as much area as possible. New tubes get similar treatment: put a small pile of talc in one hand and pull the tube through it with the other hand.
Just don't use hyper expensive "designer" talc belonging to your partner!