What is the worst/most frustrating rim and tire combo you've dealt with?
#78
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Worst
[QUOTE=steelbikeguy;20058332]this does seem like one of those topics that comes up infrequently, but regularly.
I concur regarding the Sun CR-18... I keep a KoolStop tire jack in the bag of one bike equipped with these rims. Never had too much trouble getting tires off (but do keep steel tire levers in the bag too), but the tire jack has been essential for getting the tires on. Might have been mostly an issue with Conti tires.
The other rim that has been infamous, and fairly C&V in nature, has been the Torelli Master rim. 700C and narrow, and fairly impervious to human hands when mounting a tire. For these rims, I keep a little German tire jack in the saddle bag....

Steve in Peoria[/QUOTE. Probably the worst were Continental Ride Tour in 700x28 going onto 700 CR18 numerous tubes holed and at least one Park tire iron broken, finally gave up and ordered 32s which were very easy going on.
I concur regarding the Sun CR-18... I keep a KoolStop tire jack in the bag of one bike equipped with these rims. Never had too much trouble getting tires off (but do keep steel tire levers in the bag too), but the tire jack has been essential for getting the tires on. Might have been mostly an issue with Conti tires.
The other rim that has been infamous, and fairly C&V in nature, has been the Torelli Master rim. 700C and narrow, and fairly impervious to human hands when mounting a tire. For these rims, I keep a little German tire jack in the saddle bag....

Steve in Peoria[/QUOTE. Probably the worst were Continental Ride Tour in 700x28 going onto 700 CR18 numerous tubes holed and at least one Park tire iron broken, finally gave up and ordered 32s which were very easy going on.
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Steve in Peoria
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Kendas on Schwinn Continental steel rims
Not sure if this qualifies, as the Kenda tires went on the Schwinn steel rim fine, but I had major problems getting them to seat. It worked once on the bike I was building for my son after many tries and finally some lube on the tire beads. When he got a flat I tried again and gave up. He said he liked this bike with the upright conversion, so I treated him to some vintage Schwinn issued Weinmann aluminum rims. No more steel rims for me after that.
#81
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Sun CR-18 & Vittoria Randonneur II. I finally took it to a shop, and the service manager took 20 minutes to mount it. And then realized the stem was angled, so he had to do it again.
I've mounted Hutchinson Nitro, Michelin Krylion 2, and Conti Gatorskin on the same wheel with ease. All tires 700 X 28.
I've mounted Hutchinson Nitro, Michelin Krylion 2, and Conti Gatorskin on the same wheel with ease. All tires 700 X 28.
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Campagnolo Muscova and Vittoria wire-bead tires in celeste.
I almost threw that Bianchi away.
I ended up cutting the bead with a wire cutters.
I think they were the standard OEM setup on the 1997 Trofeo.
I almost threw that Bianchi away.
I ended up cutting the bead with a wire cutters.
I think they were the standard OEM setup on the 1997 Trofeo.
#83
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Continental Ultra Sport II on pretty much any rim. I started toting a Kool Stop bead jack in my jersey pocket or seat bag every ride, and heavy duty plastic tire levers to remove them.
Eventually I retired the Ultra Sport II tires to indoor trainer duty. Good tires and excellent value, but my aging arthritic wrists and thumb joints can't handle stubborn tires anymore. I switched to Conti GP Classics for most road bikes, and Some Supple Vitesse for my go-fast bike.
Eventually I retired the Ultra Sport II tires to indoor trainer duty. Good tires and excellent value, but my aging arthritic wrists and thumb joints can't handle stubborn tires anymore. I switched to Conti GP Classics for most road bikes, and Some Supple Vitesse for my go-fast bike.
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Campagnolo Mexico 68 rim and Michelin tubeless cyclocross tire. It was for a Friend's Bianchi. Told them to take it to a bike shop where 3 guys who worked at the bike shop had to push the rest of the bead on the tire at once in order for it to sit completely.

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CR-18 and Rene Herse (35c and 38c). They go on and come off easily enough, but getting them to properly seat is a NIGHTMARE! The ride is great, though...
#86
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Tight tires
That's interesting! I've got some of those Conti Ride Tours in 28mm on my winter bike. Very hard to get on or off, and probably more like 25mm than 28mm. I just bought some 32mm Conti tires with similar treads (some version of the Tour line-up, I think), and would be very happy if they were easier to mount! I'm also hoping they are a bit undersize too, since I'm not sure I have room for an actual 32mm tire.
Steve in Peoria
Steve in Peoria
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Steve when I finally got the front one on the rim I measured it and was between 24 and 25mm. The 32s I should have measured and haven't yet, but they went on similar to the Ultra Sports I have on a couple other bikes both in the 28 and 32 sizes much better fit. The Ultras seem to be reversed of the Touring tires and seem to be wide for their size.
I really need to find an alternate tire with a moderate tread for winter riding. The Conti tires are just too tight and unpredictable in terms of width. On the plus side... the Tour tires have worn well, but that's probably just because they annoyed me so much.

Steve in Peoria
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