joop

I've just bought a new pair of Campag Proton wheels and Conti Ultra Gatorskin folding tires, and after spending the last hour trying to mount them I've just about given up, they just don't seem to want to go on. Could anyone offer any advice?

OregonBound

Here's my 4 step process:

1. Double check they are the correct size.
2. Warm them with a hair dryer, if possible.
3. Put a tiny amount of water on the lip to help them slid.
4. If all else fails, take them into the shop and be humbled when the guys there snap them on in 10 seconds.

Paul

joop

Excellent, sounds like good advice! Thank you.

Does anyone else have any tricks of the trade?

ofofhy

For folding tires, I usually "work" them for a while, to kind of break in the bead. Just keep fexing the bead with your hands all the way around. There is always brute force, which I have had to use a few times.

luker

make sure that the tube is inside the tire; use some talcum.

jdarrin

I put the tires in the sun (if its warm) or the trunk of the car to warm them up. Same as hairdryer trick. Then i use a tool called a Quick Stick. The only tire lever you'll ever need and you only need one. We used to use it in the bike shop

I had the same problems with my michelen on ritchey wheels.