Mavic Rims and Gatorskins

[Scoosh]

I am struggling with Gatorskins, even when using talc, in the effort to fit the final 2/3 cms of tyre.

All suggestions will be appreciated re

1. technique
2. alternative similar (sportive but not out and out racing) tyre with reasonable p******* protection and all round performance

Bontrager Racelights
Michelin Krylion (as suggested above)
Specialised All Condition Armadillo Elite

 

[Broadside]

Another vote for Michelin Krylion, I use these on my Mavic Aksiums. They make a huge difference to the comfort and handling of my bike compared to Gatorskins. They do cut up a bit but I haven't found them too puncture prone providing you keep digging the little sharp stones out before they work their way through.

 

[Alun]

Take your time, use talc, I start opposite the valve, as I think the valve may prevent the tyre bead from going right into the well of the wheel. keep forcing the bead into the well as you work. A toe strap or zip tie like in the youtube clip may stop the tyre bead from escaping. It'll be a lot easier the second time you do it.

 

[Pottsy]

[QUOTE 1891451, member: 45"]I'm taking the Marathon+ tyres off one of my bikes. They're just too heavy and slow.[/quote]
I'm going to do the same for the same reason. What's your choice next? Assuming that you still want good puncture protection.

 

[4F]

[QUOTE 1891532, member: 45"], and usually make my decison based on which I can find cheapest.[/quote]

Thats the reason I am using Gatorskins at the moment, got them at buy one get one free last year. Before that I was using Krylions and I found they were a good one as well.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Talc the inside of the tyre when first fitting. Just enough air in the tube to give it shape. Start opposite the valve, keep pushing the beads down into the rim-well and stretching the tyre towards the unfitted section. Like the Spa Cycles video. I'm using Gatorskins* with Aksiums and can finish fitting with thumbs. Finally go round the wheel squeezing the beads away from the rim to check the tube is not trapped anywhere.
*folding

 

[Alun]

[QUOTE 1891451, member: 45"]I'm taking the Marathon+ tyres off one of my bikes. They're just too heavy and slow.[/quote]
I've just taken the optimistically named Marathon Racers off, and gone back to Gatorskins for similar reasons