John Nolan 

So, I have had Pasela 32C tires with wire beads on these rims, but they're quite worn,

I thought I'd try the Gravel Kings TLC folding tires, but I can't begin to figure out how to mount them. I'm not new to bikes, or to changing tires, but all my bikes have clincher rims, and most of my tires are wire beads.

Have I made a mistake? Are these not compatible with clincher rims? Are they only for tubeless rims? I can't even get one side to seat—too tight. And I'm not sure how I'd ever get the tube, and the bead on the other side into position.

Basically, I haven't the faintest idea how to do this. All the googling I've done leads me to instructions on mounting these on tubeless rims.

Do I need different tires or just some knowledge? Or better search terms?

Thanks in advance.

Atlas Shrugged

Mounting a tight bicycle tire on a rim can be challenging, but with some patience and the right technique, it can be done smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. **Prepare Your Materials**:
- Tire levers
- A small amount of soapy water or a tire mounting lubricant (optional, for very tight tires)
- A pump

2. **Start with the Rim and Tire**:
- Ensure the rim tape is correctly positioned and undamaged.
- Check that the tire is correctly oriented (directional tread facing the right way).

3. **Mount the First Bead**:
- Push one side (bead) of the tire into the well of the rim. This should be done by hand and generally is the easier side to mount.

4. **Insert the Inner Tube (if applicable)**:
- If you’re using an inner tube, slightly inflate it so it takes shape but remains very soft.
- Place the valve stem through the valve hole in the rim.
- Carefully tuck the inner tube into the tire, making sure it’s not twisted and is evenly distributed inside the tire.

5. **Mount the Second Bead**:
- Starting at the valve stem, begin pushing the second bead of the tire into the rim. Ensure that the valve is pushed up into the tire to avoid pinching the tube.
- Work the bead into the rim with your hands, moving around the wheel and pushing the bead into the center well of the rim (the deepest part).

6. **Work Around the Tire**:
- As you work the bead into the rim, make sure the bead already in place stays in the center well. This provides more slack and makes the last part of the bead easier to mount.
- When you get to the tight section near the end, use both hands to roll the bead over the edge of the rim. If necessary, use tire levers carefully to avoid pinching the inner tube.

7. **Final Adjustments**:
- Once the tire is fully mounted, check that the tube is not pinched between the tire and the rim.
- Ensure the tire bead is seated evenly around the rim on both sides.

8. **Inflate the Tire**:
- Inflate the tire gradually, checking frequently to ensure the bead is seating properly and the tire isn’t bulging out unevenly.
- Inflate to the recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

9. **Check for Proper Seating**:
- Spin the wheel and observe the tire to ensure it is mounted evenly and there are no bulges or sections where the bead hasn't seated properly.

10. **Final Inspection**:
- Double-check the tire bead, the valve stem area, and the overall seating of the tire. Make sure there are no pinches, bulges, or misalignments.

**Tips**:
- Warming up the tire (by leaving it in the sun or in a warm room) can make it more pliable and easier to work with.
- Using a bit of soapy water or a specific tire mounting lubricant can help the bead slide into place more easily.
- If using tire levers, be careful not to pinch the tube, especially near the final section where the bead is tightest.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to mount even the tightest bicycle tires onto your rims.

John Nolan 

Thanks very much for your careful instructions.
For the most part, your steps are what I've followed in the past, but I've never had to resort to using soap or warming the tire up, and I usually just use my thumbs rather than levers. I'll give those tips try.

Atlas Shrugged

No problem you can thank ChatGPT.

shelbyfv

FWIW, step 5 is perhaps not correct. Most suggest starting opposite the valve as that gives you more unobstructed channel for the bead. Unfortunately it seems Panaracer no longer makes a non-tubeless GK in that width.

John Nolan 

Ha!

Atlas Shrugged

These instructions are for a tubed tire, obviously with tubless you start opposite to the valve.

Some advice, never correct or challenge AI publicly on a forum such as this you know who the machines are going to come for 1st don’t you?

shelbyfv

No. With tubes, start opposite the valve. Probably makes less difference with tubeless since the tube isn't taking up space in the channel.

icemilkcoffee 

Far be it from me to question our almighty GPT4o Overlord, one additional tip not mentioned is that, you can start by placing the entire wheel inside the tire like this:

And then pry the bead on from the outside in. The advantage is that you can use a tire jack to pry the tire from the outside in. Important in the case, as in the OP's, where you can't even get the first bead on.

bboy314

If you’re using cloth rim tape, replace it with tubeless tape, which is thinner. Also helps to leave the tires in the sun or by a warm furnace for awhile first.

Aubergine 

I've never done this. Always started at the valve. But I must admit with the new tubeless-ready setups it's getting damn hard to do. I'll give this "new" way a try next time.

John Nolan 

Yes—I'll give that a try in the morning. Thanks.

John Nolan 

With tire levers, soap and a bit of persistence I finally got it mounted. Thanks everyone.