Removing tight tyres

[Sunny Portrush]

I have Schwalbe Lugano`s on my wheels and was going to replace them today - however, I couldn`t get the buggers to shift - what on earth am I doing wrong!!

I can remove my mtb tyres without any levers but nearly took my eye out today with a lever that pinged off - it`s driving me daft - I thought the hard part would be putting the replacement tyres ON, not taking the old ones OFF!!

 

[Mo1959]

I have Schwalbe Lugano`s on my wheels and was going to replace them today - however, I couldn`t get the buggers to shift - what on earth am I doing wrong!!

I can remove my mtb tyres without any levers but nearly took my eye out today with a lever that pinged off - it`s driving me daft - I thought the hard part would be putting the replacement tyres ON, not taking the old ones OFF!!

Maybe the shape of your tyre levers? I really like these for getting under the bead easily.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schwalbe-...sure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item58b41e8121

 

[Sunny Portrush]

Mo - I could get one tyre lever under the rim no bother, just couldnt get the second one under as there was no space to do so - I`m normally a stubborn bugger but this tested me to the limit - gave up but will try again tomorrow, probably with safety specs on!

 

[mrandmrspoves]

I had the same problem with Schwalbe Durano tyres on my recumbent. (Even worse on a 20 inch wheel!) Shot shoulders added to my difficulties. Get 2 tyre levers so they are just under the tyre edge and then bring them down into a leverage position simultaneously. If you try doing one lever and then the other, you put too much tension onto the bead to get the 2nd lever inserted.

 

[Sunny Portrush]

I had the same problem with Schwalbe Durano tyres on my recumbent. (Even worse on a 20 inch wheel!) Shot shoulders added to my difficulties. Get 2 tyre levers so they are just under the tyre edge and then bring them down into a leverage position simultaneously. If you try doing one lever and then the other, you put too much tension onto the bead to get the 2nd lever inserted.

Cheers - I`ll give that approach a whirl tomorrow before taking the Basil Fawlty branch technique to the wheel!

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Cheers - I`ll give that approach a whirl tomorrow before taking the Basil Fawlty branch technique to the wheel!

I have come close to Basil Fawlty approach myself in the past! Worth bringing the wheel in overnight so that it is warmer, it may not make a useful difference - but at least it will be more pleasant to work on and the rubber may be slightly more flexible.

 

[raleighnut]

Make sure that the side opposite has dropped down into the well of the rim to give it space to lift at the side you're levering.

 

[screenman]

Beat me too it, I have seen so many people struggle who have not done that bit.

 

[Tom B]

Make sure you push the bead In on both sides before you start levering.

If your bike is outside get the wheel in to a nice warm place or fill a watering can with as hot as you can tap water and heat the tyres up to make them more supple.