23-03-2021, 05:30 PM
Hi,
In the past I've fitted tyres on a number of occasions but they've always been old tyres and although it's sometimes been a struggle I've always got there in the end.
My wife bought me two Longstone tyres (450 x 17) for Christmas which I tried to fit a couple of days ago but have completely failed.
I've read stories about fitting tyres without levers but I had to use a lever to get any of the bead at all over the rim at all and by the time I was on the last 10 inches or so the force required was so great it was flexing the tyre levers which are something like 5mm thick.
I did eventually get one tyre on but the brute force and ignorance approach I'd resorted to resulted in my puncturing the tube.
I took the tyre off which was a real challenge in it's self and today decided to have another try but now the tyre is about 3/4 on and I just can't force it on any more or even get it off.
The tyre levers are very solidly made but only about 12 inches long. I've tried both talcum powder and washing-up liquid as a lubricant. The only difference apart from the tyres being new is that I also bought new rim tape which is around 50mm wide and covers most of the surface of the well.
I've been quoted around £50 to fit the two tyres plus the cost of another tube bringing the overall cost to around £70 but before I accept defeat and pay up are there any other things I should try?
John.
In the past I've fitted tyres on a number of occasions but they've always been old tyres and although it's sometimes been a struggle I've always got there in the end.
My wife bought me two Longstone tyres (450 x 17) for Christmas which I tried to fit a couple of days ago but have completely failed.
I've read stories about fitting tyres without levers but I had to use a lever to get any of the bead at all over the rim at all and by the time I was on the last 10 inches or so the force required was so great it was flexing the tyre levers which are something like 5mm thick.
I did eventually get one tyre on but the brute force and ignorance approach I'd resorted to resulted in my puncturing the tube.
I took the tyre off which was a real challenge in it's self and today decided to have another try but now the tyre is about 3/4 on and I just can't force it on any more or even get it off.
The tyre levers are very solidly made but only about 12 inches long. I've tried both talcum powder and washing-up liquid as a lubricant. The only difference apart from the tyres being new is that I also bought new rim tape which is around 50mm wide and covers most of the surface of the well.
I've been quoted around £50 to fit the two tyres plus the cost of another tube bringing the overall cost to around £70 but before I accept defeat and pay up are there any other things I should try?
John.