Flying Tire Irons
05-07-24, 10:28 AM
#51
Newbie
The tool exists for both purposes. I'd like to see you install a motorcycle tire by hand. And you may very well be able to install lots of tire by starting at the valve, but I promise you it is easier the other way.
05-07-24, 10:28 AM
#52
don't try this at home.
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Back in 2010 (!) I posted a detailed thread on my tire mounting method. I still do it this way, and the tires are even tighter on the rims now.
How to: Tight fitting tire - easy mounting
The key to my method: This needs a tire lever with the correct shape and rounded ends. Pedro levers are perfect for it.
Lift less than an inch of bead at a time, slide the lever over a bit, and repeat. It's fast and effective.
I never use two levers when mounting a tire. Two are only needed to remove a tire.
How to: Tight fitting tire - easy mounting
The key to my method: This needs a tire lever with the correct shape and rounded ends. Pedro levers are perfect for it.
Lift less than an inch of bead at a time, slide the lever over a bit, and repeat. It's fast and effective.
I never use two levers when mounting a tire. Two are only needed to remove a tire.
Last edited by rm -rf; 05-07-24 at 10:33 AM.
05-07-24, 12:00 PM
#53
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I would definitely not enjoy mounting the last bit of tight bead next to the valve.
05-07-24, 12:11 PM
#54
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You start at the valve, I end there, and we both get the job done.
To those who are fine however they mount tires, no need to change. To those looking for a better way, it might be somewhere in this thread, so try one or a few till you succeed.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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05-07-24, 03:31 PM
#55
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You say tomato, I say tomahto.....
You start at the valve, I end there, and we both get the job done.
To those who are fine however they mount tires, no need to change. To those looking for a better way, it might be somewhere in this thread, so try one or a few till you succeed.
You start at the valve, I end there, and we both get the job done.
To those who are fine however they mount tires, no need to change. To those looking for a better way, it might be somewhere in this thread, so try one or a few till you succeed.
05-07-24, 04:47 PM
#56
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And that's why it's good to get in the habit of always starting opposite the valve. It's no more trouble to do it correctly.
05-07-24, 05:17 PM
#57
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For those who just can't do it by hand, the KoolStop Bead Jack works OK and won't pinch the tube.
05-09-24, 04:55 AM
#58
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I looked at the bead jack, looks interesting. I can see a possible advantage in being able to lift the bead, and then with your thumb, push it laterally onto the rim. Whereas with tire levers, especially plastic ones (which I prefer so to not damage the rim) which are thicker, that additional thickness is added to the diameter the tire bead needs to be stretched to, to get on the rim.
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05-09-24, 05:45 AM
#59
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Good to see the VAR tool available again. 
