Easy to fit clincher tyres - recommendations?

[autolycus]

I need a new 700cx28 tyre to fit on my semi-aero front wheel. As i get older (!) i seem to be finding it harder to fit my tyres on to their rims; those last few inches are murder! I've recently struggled with Continental GP 4 seasons and Vittoria Rubino Pros, both of which are folding tyres. I assume these are easier to fit than wired? Unfortunately i also seem to be picking up punctures more and more frequently, the latest being a rip in the sidewall of my Rubino Pro.

Anyway, i'm wondering what recommendations people might have for a good quality tyre that can be fitted with minimum effort? Apologies if this has been covered many times before - a link to a useful thread would be equally appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Dogtrousers]

The problem is that it's often a combo of wheel and tyre that is difficult/easy. So I'm not making any suggestions because I don't have semi-aero wheels, nor do I have a particularly wide experience of different tyres. But it might be worth investing in one of the many gizmos that are supposed to make this easier.

 

[Velochris]

As above, it can be the rim as much as the tyre, as well as technique.

I've had most brands over the years. The only tyre I could not get on with my hands was a Michelin Endurance.

For general recommendations I always found Veloxflex and the older Vittoria tyres some of the easiest. I note the Vittoria Pave are 27mm and on Wiggle for a reasonable price, cheaper than when I used them every winter 15-20 years ago.

Not the ultimate puncture protection but about the best all round winter (and used I summer as well) tyre I used.

 

[cyberknight]

As said above wheel/ tyre combos are a night mare !
I find vittoria tyres pretty easy to do on all my bikes but i always have to use levers for the last bit , many swear by various fancy levers like tyre glider although i didnt get on with it
https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-magazine/group-test-tight-tyre-tools
https://tyreglider.co.uk/?v=79cba1185463
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-tyre-seating-tool

 

[Fab Foodie]

VAR Tyre lever - job done.

 

[Jameshow]

Are your rims tubeless?
They are a pig to get tyres on.

Wiggle own brands are easy to fit! Contis less so.

 

[cyberknight]

Are your rims tubeless?
They are a pig to get tyres on.

Wiggle own brands are easy to fit! Contis less so.

i found wiggle own brand tyres like riding with the brakes rubbing , tests posted by cycling weekly confirmed my thoughts 5-7 watts more even compared to zaffiros

 

[Jameshow]

i found wiggle own brand tyres like riding with the brakes rubbing , tests posted by cycling weekly confirmed my thoughts 5-7 watts more even compared to zaffiros

Interesting...

Which model?

Race ones are lighter than conti ultra sports for the same price.

 

[cyberknight]

Interesting...

Which model?

Race ones are lighter than conti ultra sports for the same price.

the race ones
ultra sports were 10 watts at 24 kph , at 40 kph 20 watts
the prime race 17.5 watts , at 40 kph 30 watts
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group...on-best-budget-road-bike-tyres-for-the-summer

 

[MichaelW2]

The tolerance in both Bead Seat Diameter and Sidewall Heigh is +-0.5mm
https://www.renehersecycles.com/rim-and-tire-standards/
Worn out manufacturing tooling can affect this tolerance. Im not sure how well manufactures stick to the ERTRO tolerance limits.
Big sidewall diameter and small tyre beads are a painful combination .

 

[T4tomo]

talcum powder is your friend

 

[vickster]

talcum powder is your friend

While the LBS is my friend with recalcitrant tyres

 

[bobzmyunkle]

VAR Tyre lever - job done.

I use one of these - light and compact enough to carry.
In the old days there was often a well in the middle of the rim to get the tyre into to give a bit more slack. Not so much now.
I use Michelin Pro 4 endurance on my hard to fit rims.

 

[Grant Fondo]

The strength you need to get some tyres on is ridiculous. Gatorskins onto DT Swiss rims the worst, honestly thought i had broken something (me, not the wheels).
GP5000 onto Eastons a piece of cake.
Its the combination thats the key, like those poor BTwin owners who had serious problems.

 

[cyberknight]

bit hard to carry a load of talcumn powder in your jersey pockets though