Why is it recommended to refit the tyre next to valve last?

[biggs682]

valve first for me too - but folding tyres are a pain in the ass to fit first time around

same here on both comments hence why i wont use folders

 

[goo_mason]

I've had both folding & non-folding tyres and have never found folders much more bother than non-folders.

I always start at the valve for fitting the tyre back onto the rim - done it that wasy since I started cycling again 7 years ago. Maybe I should try doing it last next time I have to take a tyre off to deal with one of 'those events'

 

[GrasB]

@Svendo, Most of the time the valve makes it harder to get the last bit of the tyre on except in a situations where wider/larger volume tyres are involved. This is because the way the valve is bonded to the tube makes a a stiffer springer area that has the effect of pushing the tyre away from the bead, even if it is pushed right up into the tyre. Any small amount of outward pressure makes a noticeable difference in how easier it is to get the tyre over the rim. Also on a very tight tyre you need both hands to push the bead over the rim, you have no way to push the valve up without risk of damaging things.

 

[Svendo]

@Svendo, Most of the time the valve makes it harder to get the last bit of the tyre on except in a situations where wider/larger volume tyres are involved. This is because the way the valve is bonded to the tube makes a a stiffer springer area that has the effect of pushing the tyre away from the bead, even if it is pushed right up into the tyre. Any small amount of outward pressure makes a noticeable difference in how easier it is to get the tyre over the rim. Also on a very tight tyre you need both hands to push the bead over the rim, you have no way to push the valve up without risk of damaging things.

Interesting... I wonder if the effect you describe (which makes perfect sense) or the stiffer spring making getting the beads into the well harder is larger and therefore makes getting the tyre on harder.
BTW the valve pushing up thingy is once the tyre is fitted, to ensure it's not trapped under the bead before inflating.
My other top tip (which I made up so YMMV) is to inflate the tube a bit before fitting the tyre, making pinching less likely, and deflating as necessary once you get to the hard bit.

As it happens, especially by the side of the road, I'll use a lever to gently pop the bead over if it's being really awkward and/or raining. I try to use my 'mechanical sensitivity' to not damage the rim and have been fine so far. If it's sunny and I'm not late for work I'll be all 'zen and the art..' about it and enjoy the process of doing it properly.

 

[biggs682]

have just fitted 2 new tyres this morning so tried doing it this way ie valve last and it worked ok

 

[Lowcliff]

Tyre over valve first for me

 

[robgul]

... valve first and push it up into the cover to get a good seat for the bead - especially important on 23 tyres - AND I always* line the valve up with the name on the tyre cover - that way you have a better chance of finding any tyre issues (look at where the hole is in the tube, match that to the relative position to the tyre .. simples!

* well, I do now having seen Jonboy OTP do it (but he STILL fiddles about and makes hard work of tyre/tube replacement ... especially on the moor high above Tebay in a torrential rainstorm!)

Rob

 

[youngoldbloke]

I always finish at the valve - allows you to get the tyre beads well down into the well of the rim as you fit the tyre. I obey rule 40 too - it makes a lot of sense. I use folding tyres almost exclusively, and find them generally easier to fit.

 

[screenman]

I could well be the person saying valve last, as I have written it many times on here. Others have explained the reasons why so I will not go over them.

 

[compo]

Never considering myself too old to learn new tricks and after a lifetime of valve last, I was prepared to try the valve first as seemingly preferred by most on this group. I had the opportunity today. For some reason I just could not get the tyre on. Next time I am going back to the "wrong" method of valve last, it's easier. After all, as long as it is on properly and the tube is not pinched or twisted and the valve is straight does it really matter?

 

[ohnovino]

I was always taught valve-last, but I got some new tubes yesterday that came with instructions (!) that said valve-first, so I'll try that next time.

No punctures in two years then four in a week: if it carries on like this I'll be able to practice every possible way of fitting a tyre and let you know what's best.