Tire levers that actually work?
#76
Newbie
You should not need tire levers to mount a tire -- they are for getting a tire off a rim.
The proper technique is more easily shown than described, so I recommend youtube videos. Also read up on tips and tricks, such as (1) start installing a tight tire bead 180 degrees from the valve hole, and finish at the valve hole, (2) make sure you are pushing the bead into the rim's center channel as you mount it, (3) leave especially tight tires out in the hot sun for a few hours before mounting, etc. Most important is the actual technique - how you push the beads up and over the rim. Best to watch a good videol
If you are using 'best practice' to mount the tires and still can't get them on the rims, then get different tires. Sometimes I'll even have one tire out of a batch that won't mount, so it gets returned or tossed.
For removing tough tires, I like these.
PS: if you are interested in @GhostRider62 's recommendation, note that there is no company called "Lyzene." He is referring to Lezyne. Though I would recommend against metal tire levers; which would you prefer to break first -- the tire lever, or the rim's sidewall?
The proper technique is more easily shown than described, so I recommend youtube videos. Also read up on tips and tricks, such as (1) start installing a tight tire bead 180 degrees from the valve hole, and finish at the valve hole, (2) make sure you are pushing the bead into the rim's center channel as you mount it, (3) leave especially tight tires out in the hot sun for a few hours before mounting, etc. Most important is the actual technique - how you push the beads up and over the rim. Best to watch a good videol
If you are using 'best practice' to mount the tires and still can't get them on the rims, then get different tires. Sometimes I'll even have one tire out of a batch that won't mount, so it gets returned or tossed.
For removing tough tires, I like these.
PS: if you are interested in @GhostRider62 's recommendation, note that there is no company called "Lyzene." He is referring to Lezyne. Though I would recommend against metal tire levers; which would you prefer to break first -- the tire lever, or the rim's sidewall?
#77
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some of the old 27” tires could be a real bear to mount on certain rims
and some recent tubeless tire / rim combinations can even be more of a challenge
strong tire levers prob a good idea if you have this ... Park ... ? ... Pedros ? ... Snek tire levers are reinforced / strong - add them to the list
#78
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the old levers i had broke probably because they were made in 1996 and not made of the higher quality plastic/nylon we have today. i bought the pedro's yellow levers and they worked well, up to the point where i lost one. i also got the tire jack and that is just wonderful. still struggle with the tires then whip out the levers or jack.
#79
Senior Member
Once you have the tire almost on, lightly apply some dish soap to bead and rim. Helps it slide on the rest of the way.
#81
Senior Member
#82
Senior Member
Got the Tyre Gliders yesterday and those work pretty well (thanks Amazon!). Didn't have too much trouble with the 1st bead. For the second bead w/tube in couldn't quite get it all the way with the Tyre Glider but it was at a point where a toe strap and one or two goes with a tire lever finished it. Inflated without blowing out, so all good. Hoping that mounting/inflation and riding on them will loosen them up some.