Damn tire irons!!
#12
Ah, best learn this in the comfort of your own garage first.
I have had to repair a number of punctures on the trails.
First time I had to do it, I thought no way this can be done.
I got it but it nearly killed me and I pinched the tube anyway.
So I had to do it again with a borrowed tube.
Anyway, i watched an A grade enduro rider change one as part of a demonstration.
He had the oldest, beat up tools but did it so easily and quickly.
Only used 2 irons but used his knees a lot.
And if he wanted to, he was very very fast at as well.
So I had a chat.
All patience and technique.
He did it about 4 times as part of the show and tell and didn't raise 1 bead of sweat.
He told me it's still part of his training schedule as he knows he will need it in competition.
For me it's still not super easy, but, I'm confident i can do it without pinching the tube or nearly killing myself.
I run low pressure so I will be needing it again thats for sure.
I have had to repair a number of punctures on the trails.
First time I had to do it, I thought no way this can be done.
I got it but it nearly killed me and I pinched the tube anyway.
So I had to do it again with a borrowed tube.
Anyway, i watched an A grade enduro rider change one as part of a demonstration.
He had the oldest, beat up tools but did it so easily and quickly.
Only used 2 irons but used his knees a lot.
And if he wanted to, he was very very fast at as well.
So I had a chat.
All patience and technique.
He did it about 4 times as part of the show and tell and didn't raise 1 bead of sweat.
He told me it's still part of his training schedule as he knows he will need it in competition.
For me it's still not super easy, but, I'm confident i can do it without pinching the tube or nearly killing myself.
I run low pressure so I will be needing it again thats for sure.
#13
The rimlock is the last job. Once the tyre is seated on the bead all round and the tyre inflated to the correct pressure, then tighten the rimlock. 'Two fingers' on a stubby spanner should be just right.
I carry a small container of Windex (window cleaner) to lube the tyre to aid fitting. You can never use too much lube. When you get to the last 8" or so, make sure the tyre on the other side isn't in the well but up on the bead and put 2 tyre irons in at the same time on the last part of the tyre. With 2 irons about 5" apart you can lever the last part quite easily, add plenty of lube at this point. Windex will evaporate as it has a small solvent content but does a great job of lubing tyres. Seen plenty of pros use it , and the best part is the tyres wont spin on the rim as the lube evaporates relatively quickly.
I carry a small container of Windex (window cleaner) to lube the tyre to aid fitting. You can never use too much lube. When you get to the last 8" or so, make sure the tyre on the other side isn't in the well but up on the bead and put 2 tyre irons in at the same time on the last part of the tyre. With 2 irons about 5" apart you can lever the last part quite easily, add plenty of lube at this point. Windex will evaporate as it has a small solvent content but does a great job of lubing tyres. Seen plenty of pros use it , and the best part is the tyres wont spin on the rim as the lube evaporates relatively quickly.
Last edited by WestOzKLX; 11-01-2009 at 08:59 AM.
#15
Allow me to demonstrate.. Please forgive the crudeness of my diagram!
Imagine a side cut:
Catch my drift?
Basically loosen the rim lock, and push it up into the tire with the tube sandwiched on top. You want to get the tire bead down seated, then you tighten the rim lock which pulls the slug down and clamps the bead into place.
Imagine a side cut:
Catch my drift?
Basically loosen the rim lock, and push it up into the tire with the tube sandwiched on top. You want to get the tire bead down seated, then you tighten the rim lock which pulls the slug down and clamps the bead into place.
#18
Yes! baby powder reduces friction between tire and tube. less chance of getting tube pinched during install.
#19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw0B2gIwbBg
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This guy makes it look easy. Some of the DS tires have stiffer sidewalls (vs mx tires) which make it a little tougher.
Good idea to practice using what you'll have on the trail. I did that last time it changed one out. I just used to 8" irons and the Kawi screwdriver. If you don't have enough leverage with the shorter irons, something is wrong. Like mentioned earlier keep checking that the oposite side of the tire is in the dish, middle of the rim when your pulling the last bit on. Windex and baby powder +1
I made a "bead buddy" out of a hook and a piece of rope. I loop the rope around a tire iron thats holding the tire in place wrap the rope around the tire and hook it on a spoke. I'll put up a pic later. Nice having that third hand.
First time I did a tire I thought "no way", but now it's pretty easy.
Dan
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This guy makes it look easy. Some of the DS tires have stiffer sidewalls (vs mx tires) which make it a little tougher.
Good idea to practice using what you'll have on the trail. I did that last time it changed one out. I just used to 8" irons and the Kawi screwdriver. If you don't have enough leverage with the shorter irons, something is wrong. Like mentioned earlier keep checking that the oposite side of the tire is in the dish, middle of the rim when your pulling the last bit on. Windex and baby powder +1
I made a "bead buddy" out of a hook and a piece of rope. I loop the rope around a tire iron thats holding the tire in place wrap the rope around the tire and hook it on a spoke. I'll put up a pic later. Nice having that third hand.
First time I did a tire I thought "no way", but now it's pretty easy.
Dan
#20
look for a video online that walks you through it. I found one, but its gone now, that was awesome. Don't forget that the putting the tire bead in middle of the rim allows you more flexibility to pull the bead over the opposite side of the rim