Tire Changing...again

[YZeezee]

I know this subject has been beat to death, but I'll ask anyway... So last night noticed the rear tire was flat, thought perfect opportunity to change my first tire-pretty damn frustrating. The need for a longer (and stronger) tire iron was apparent right away, totally bent and destroyed my smaller one, actually never did get it off. Im taking it in to get it replaced (I know, I should do it, but it just aint worth it to me). My question is, how do you guys get the tire off and on while on the trail??? All you probably have are small tire irons, no soap, what's the deal. My rim looks like crap now-totally frustrated...If I had all this trouble in my garage, I'd hate to think of trying it on the trail...

[YAMAKAZE]

I had that same problem until I purchased the the Ty-Davis Tire changer and 3 Large Irons that I keep in my Trailer. Those little Irons that fit in a hip pack really suck and are tough on the fingers. I spent $150 on my setup but at the dealer cost of $20.00 per tire change I'm just over 1/2 way of making my money back.

Bonzai ?

[MOmilkman]

YZeezee,

No need to jump on it. Just lay it flat on the ground, sprocket side down, and take your palm and press as hard as you can on one side of the tire. It will take time and patience but it will break free. When you get one part of the bead loose from the rim the rest will come off very easily.

Once you get it broke free come back for more info.

[jclark83]

Check out this link on tire changing. The example used is a street tire but there are some pretty good tips and pics.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html

[Dan_Lorenze]

Originally posted by Mark Cantrell:

I use cheap 6" tire irons and don't have any problems. Break the bead and keep the bead in the middle of the rim. You don't need leverage, you simply need lubrication. I can think of an analogy but I won't post it.

Bead in the middle, lots of lube, you won't need leverage.

Good luck,

mwc

Mark, You nailed it!! I think the most important thing to remember is to get that bead to the middle too. Exactly!! It loosens the work area up. I too use little irons that fit in my fanny pack on the trail but at home I'll use the larger ones. Lube helps greatly too.

[sabin]

What lube do you use on the trail Dan?

I can add that on assembling when you put the tube you inflate it just a little so that you do not smash it with the tire irons while fitting the upper bead.

[imported_Scott_H]

I carry a travel size (2 oz) bottle of shampoo to lube up the bead for on the trail flat fixin'. Works great, doesn’t take up much room and doesn't make a mess.

[Dan_Lorenze]

Originally posted by sabin:

What lube do you use on the trail Dan?

Water............

[MOmilkman]

Do you know what the #1 mistake people make that are changing tires for the first time?

They dont break the bead down to the center of the rim.(on both sides)

As you are taking the tire off and putting it back on, keep pusing the bead to the center of the rim.

That is the most crucial part of getting a tire off and on a bike easily.

The second best hint I could give you is to take small bites as you take it off and put it on.

Dont go to your dealer and fork the cash to him! You can do it with our help!!!

Also, Yama is right, long heavy duty tire irons are a must!

[ September 05, 2002, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: MOmilkman ]

[YZeezee]

Thanks guys, I'll head out and get a better set of irons (maybe a big ol crowbar or something), I WILL get that bas**rd changed myself if it kills me. But, what I'm more concerned about is doing it on the trail... My fanny pack sized iron was pretty flimsy, and I'm guessing I'd have some trouble out there... Maybe just bring some slime and hope for the best?

[ September 05, 2002, 12:34 PM: Message edited by: YZeezee ]

[Mark_Cantrell]

I use cheap 6" tire irons and don't have any problems. Break the bead and keep the bead in the middle of the rim. You don't need leverage, you simply need lubrication. I can think of an analogy but I won't post it.

Bead in the middle, lots of lube, you won't need leverage.

Good luck,

mwc

[YZeezee]

hmmm.. looks like maybe I just need some more practice-any great tips on breaking the bead, or just jump on it or something like that? I know I'm probably not the only one running Dunlops so there must be something I'm missing... Thanks a lot!

[MOmilkman]

YZeezee,

Since this subject has come up a few times latley I am going to attempt to write up a detailed "how to" artice for novice tire changers.

I already have it started and you can check it out here:http://home.cleanlink.net/enduro/changing_tires.htm

I tried to be as specific and clear as possible.

I will also post more info as I have time to do it.

[ September 06, 2002, 06:54 AM: Message edited by: MOmilkman ]

[YZeezee]

Well guys, got a big fat tire laying on my garage floor now-it's off of there. Thanks a lot-I ended up getting a bigger tire iron (2 of them) and just getting after it... lots of slippery stuff too...

Darin, your write-up is worth a thousand words (wait, it is a thousand words), seriously though-that's a huge help...THANKS!!!!

[Carl_Youngstrom]

I put my knees into the tire on one side of the rim (to keep the bead up in the center of the rim) while prying on the other side. I only have small irons. Works for me.