Problem fitting tyres

[taximan]

Down the years I have fit many new tyres to my bikes and usually I have never had to resort to using tyre levers, until recently that is. Some time ago I acquired A vintage bike and before I used it I fit a pair of new tyres, which needed
quite a bit of coaxing to get over the (Mavic) rims. At the time I put it down to using cheap tyres (Raleigh). they performed well enough though and have never punctured so no complaints there. I have recently decided to replace them & bought a pair of Shwalbe Active tyres but I am finding them almost impossible to fit without the use of levers and the application of a great deal of force, puncturing three tubes in the process on the first wheel. I had a similar problem last year while fitting a pair of Continental touring tyres to my touring bike. What I would like to know is are tyres made in a tighter fit these days and has anyone else had similar problems.

 

[sleuthey]

My colleagues son had the same issue with some Schwalbe tyres and he took it to Halfords who changed them for £5 per wheel. They prized them in an inch at a time and tightly cable tied the bit that was seated before moving on the the next bit

 

[Sharky]

Judging by the number of similar threads on here, I don't think you are alone.

I have resorted to using levers at times, but usually on the 2nd refit, thumbs alone are sufficient.

Might try next time to do a first fit without inner tubes to eliminate damage to the inners, then refit properly.

Shwalbe marathons were the tightest I've used.

 

[robgul]

No shame in using tyre levers - but these

View: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bbb-Cycling-Unisexs-BTL-78-Bikes/dp/B00A855QRY

work a treat - chances of pinching the tube are minimal - and as suggested the "third hand cable-tie" is the way to do it.

 

[Cycleops]

Some good tips here:

View: https://youtu.be/jvvXrlAUUfU

 

[PeteXXX]

A wipe round the rim with some washing up liquid can make things easier...

 

[raleighnut]

I use Talc and a VAR tyre lever (bought 30+ yrs ago)

Even a guy this inept with one can get it to work

View: https://youtu.be/S_-49Pora3I

 

[silva]

For Schwalbes marathon plus, I first insert a lever to make room but instead of trying to add a second, I put 1 grip end of a small tong just aside it then pull it sideways. Since adding a second lever somewhat further typically damaged the tyre.