|   Damn tire won't come off....... | Eddie
Nov 6, 2002 2:47 PM | | I have a WTB Motoraptor 2.24 on a Sun Rim, the tire was a bitch getting on because I got a shallow rim, but I thought the tire would strectch but its still damn tight. Now I have a flat and I cant get the bead off, I can get a tire lever under the bead but i cant slide it around to get it off. I am in need of a quick fix, any suggestions? |
| I've been hving more trouble with WTB tires too | derby
Nov 6, 2002 2:59 PM | | Maybe try liquid soaping the bead so it slides better around inside the rim.
I had problems with the 2.4 MutanoRaptor barely mounting and removing from WTB's own LazerDisc rims. But just got some Mavics which have deep channels inside and these same tires can be mounted and removed pretty easily by hand now.
- ray |
| Soapy water...........nm | r
Nov 6, 2002 3:23 PM | | nm |
| It's the Sun rims... | NuMexJoe
Nov 6, 2002 3:27 PM | | not so much the tires (although some WTBs can be tough, too). I run a mix of tires on my Sun 0*XC rims, and they're all tough to R&R. Other Sun owners I've spoken to agree. Takes 2 or 3 levers, whereas I can R&R a tire on my Mavics w/ no tools. As far as what you can do, (forgive me if you've thought of this already) try pressing both beads of the tire into the center of the rim, which has a smaller diam. than out at the edge where the bead seats. Squirt a bit of dish soap or the like along about a foot of the bead where you have the tire lever inserted, and you ought to be able to get it off. FWIW, if I raced, I sure wouldn't run Sun rims, as it takes me twice as long to repair a flat on those versus other rims. Good luck!
- Joe |
| There is a technique | shiggy
Nov 6, 2002 4:40 PM | | The shallow Sun rims are a factor and you may still need tire levers but try this. Most of it is very basic but many people do not seem to understand the process. If you already know this do not be insulted.
* Deflate the tube completely.
* Squeeze the tire beads together all the way around the tire to make sure they are loose from the rim bead.
* Hold the wheel flat in your lap. Pinch the tire beads together on the far side of the wheel with both hands.
* Pull the bead of the tire into the center if the rim and move your hands around each side while continuing to pull the bead toward you. This will create "slack" in the tire when your hands reach your belly so its bead can be pulled over the rim.
* Push the bead of the tire off of the rim with your thumbs. If it is really tight use 2 or three tire levers to
i gently
lift the bead off the rim. Three levers used in little steps (1-2" apart) work much better than two 6" apart.
* Be patient. Replete any or all of the above steps as needed.
* Warming up the tire can help. The rubber is more flexible.
* Soapy water can help, too.
* Use a very thin rim tape. Velox cloth tape is very thick and can cause problems in mounting/unmounting with some rims/tires. I prefer 3M strapping tape. |
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