GCN: "Some tires are notoriously difficult to fit" ... "Let me demonstrate with the loosest fitting tire you are likely to ever see in your entire life"

@DR_1_1

4 ай бұрын

The same way "clean your bike" videos always start with clean bikes/chain train...

@OGillo2001

3 ай бұрын

Wizards sleeve etc...

@timgreenhalgh2016

3 ай бұрын

😂😂

@ckaarchitect

2 ай бұрын

It's infuriatingly loose

@andrewshaw1525

Ай бұрын

😂

After struggling for over an hour, I watched this video, did it in 2 mins, then immediately got a flat. Currently wondering if I do it all again or sell my bike...

@johngta7172

3 жыл бұрын

was it a flat or did you pinch/weaken the tube in some way while installing?

@blahqwe

2 жыл бұрын

did you sell it?

@ellisbha

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure what I did wrong. But I got a bike shop to do it and haven't had an issue since!

@Totalavulsion

2 жыл бұрын

Solution = n+1

@davebrooker4837

2 жыл бұрын

Not worth the hassle sometimes

the tyre in the video looks to be the easiest tyre in the world to fit.....

@oliverharvey7561

6 жыл бұрын

Andrew Summers

@bb3866

6 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@fatter56

5 жыл бұрын

try Andrew tire installation, you'll find it is super easy to install any difficult mount tire.　　kzread.info/dash/bejne/qqetyKOhZpvgfZM.html

@kevinrtres

5 жыл бұрын

Definitely. Makes the video so much questionable! Nothing difficult about putting that tyre on.

@iansutherlandcraig

5 жыл бұрын

Andrew it did seem to fall on.

Most of the people who came here have just finished snapping all their tire levers

@spokanevalleyfreeway1521

5 жыл бұрын

I'm only here because I'm using my only tire lever AND a Phillips screwdriver.

@smallnuts2

4 жыл бұрын

That's why I bought metal ones

@sabre22b50

4 жыл бұрын

MY EYE!!! MY EYE!!! I think i sharpened those metal tyre levers too much.

@DontTalkShitAboutTotal

4 жыл бұрын

Don't fucking rub it in

@Warmbanana69

4 жыл бұрын

Omg that’s literally me I just snapped 3 of them

A moment of silence for our fallen tire-levers that we have lost because of difficult-to-fit bike tires.

@mikesavage8793

7 жыл бұрын

They do have a tendency to go into orbit, don't they.

@asicdathens

7 жыл бұрын

I invested on two metal tire levers. (look like rounded screwdrivers) They're so strong , I believe you can change motorcycle tires with them

@jakegarrett8109

7 жыл бұрын

I recommend plastic ones, metal ones will scrape up your wheels very easy. I haven't had a problem with mine, and you can't get much cheaper than the ones that come with $3 Chinese patch kits, and they are pretty nice and sturdy. For motorcycle tires, I use full size crow bars and truck levers (special semi-truck levers). Good luck getting the back tire on my dirt bike with anything less, I usually have about 4 of those bars stuck in my tires at once trying to pry them on, and I only get 2-3k miles on a rear tire before they become slicks.

@Starclimber

7 жыл бұрын

Yep, metal levers used carefully are the bomb, easy to slip under the bead courtesy of the small dimensions, and never gonna break. Not so great for quick tire removal, i.e. sliding the tool around the rim under the bead, and probably not the best choice for carbon rims.

@asicdathens

7 жыл бұрын

I bought metal ones when I tried to remove my old's MTB front tire (26") and the plastic levers just bent. A blue schwalbe tire I bought for the turbo trainer is almost impossible to remove without metal levers becuase the tire is very stiff (to withstand the turbo trainer's roller).

"We're going to show you how to get a real difficult tyre on" Literally pops it on using your hands. I'm sorry what. That's not a difficult tyre.

@Unders

3 жыл бұрын

I know right. My hands are currently on fire 🔥 😂

@eddu-prat4234

3 жыл бұрын

Speaking as someone who tried for an hour and has blisters on both thumbs the first tip worked straight away had not an issue before with the tires but on new rims was a massive struggle

@randysgutful

2 жыл бұрын

Seriously, what a waste of time.

@tdougherty3489

2 жыл бұрын

He's demonstrating he technique - I found it helpful

Heck Si what brand of Tire is that? looks like you could sneeze and that would make it go over the rim.

Just wanted to say how truly helpful this video turned out to be. Repeating yourself drove home how important it is to chase the bead around the center of the rim where the diameter is smallest. After fighting with a 29 boost wheel for over an hour, that re-framing of the most fundamental importance (plus working two tire levers together) helped me slip the tire on in the end! Never admit defeat!!!

when ur hands burn more from putting on a tire than riding with no gloves

@gcn

7 жыл бұрын

Yep. That.

@koko-lores

7 жыл бұрын

and when you finally managed you realize that you put the tyre the wrong way

@stevewhite6703

7 жыл бұрын

louis coope

@Redrush11

6 жыл бұрын

The Mig Cycling i dont bother with that

@ztriguy2621

4 жыл бұрын

Burn 🔥 like falling from your bike without gloves. Ouch

When you can't get the last little section over I find that cursing under my breath helps. If it still doesn't work, I put the wheel and tire in the corner on a 5 minute time out to think about what they have done. It always does the trick.

@michaellynn9763

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely! Actually, I think having a break if you’ve been struggling for a while really helps. I sat down with a can of lager for a for a few minutes after struggling to remove the cassette lock ring. After I’d screamed at it following my rest, it shifted in an instant!! Never ever let it beat you!!

I've been fitting tyres to bikes I've owned for over 50 years, yet some of today's rim & tyre & rim combinations can prove a real struggle. Your most important tip, that of ensuring the bead is at the centre of the rim, when fitting enabled me to even install my new tyre without levers; I was amazed & really pleased how this simple, but good advice proved a success. You were completely correct in repeating this point. Thank you soooo much. Regards, Kevin

@nicholaschip5820

Жыл бұрын

That was the clincher for me too.

@davidbarrett4586

10 ай бұрын

Yep. Never heard this and it work immediately after an otherwise futile struggle.

@Jazzwun

6 ай бұрын

​@@nicholaschip5820so to speak..! 😆

7 years later, the rolling the bead into the center rim advice just saved me. Thank you

The tip about making sure the bead was down in the center of the rim was a revelation for me. Thanks!!!

This video just saved my thumbs! I'd been struggling with a Zipp 404 and a 5000 Continental tyre but after pushing it into the centre of the wheel, it slipped on like a dream! Si, you are a life saver. I can now give you a big thumbs up as my thumbs aren't bleeding from pushing the tire endlessly around the rim. Cheers!! xx

This video saved my hands and forearms after wrestling with a Conti GP 4000s II for about 30 mins. Brilliant tips 👍🏼

I usually use brute force and profanity and it works haha

@gcn

7 жыл бұрын

That could be every home mechanic's ultimate hack, I reckon.

@gcn

7 жыл бұрын

If not ultimate hack, their last resort...

@Jstroman221

7 жыл бұрын

SwedishHouseFifa Pro Tip!

@erikaerszi5604

7 жыл бұрын

It definitely helps with the anger management when that last stubborn part won't get on the rim! Try getting some Michelin tires on without some heartwarming verbal abuse... ; )

@giovannispinotti

6 жыл бұрын

Profanity is the only real need.

So, to recap. You need to lube the rim before slipping on the rubber.

@rogerneilson815

7 жыл бұрын

Or lube the rubber directly lols

@vzaaa6314

7 жыл бұрын

:3

@Sudipto17Kolkata

6 жыл бұрын

The first time (with anything) is always a bit difficult because it is so tight. Keep trying. It eventually gets easier.

@ryanford5387

6 жыл бұрын

U can go in without lube if you're strong

@hairisg76

3 жыл бұрын

@@Sudipto17Kolkata that's what i told her. But she still kicked me in the nuts for trying. 🤣

Thank you so much for this video! I'm new to cycling and dreaded changing the inner tubes on my eMTB as they're so difficult to get back on!! You saved me so much time, sweat and pain, thank you ❤️

Thanks for this video, Simon & GCN! After struggling with a difficult to fit tyre for 15 minutes with my wife, I eventually realized that I could probably find a youtube video with some help... of course GCN was the first hit. About 45 seconds into the video the tyre was fit, the night was saved, I'm a hero (by proxy), and my wife is ready to commute on Monday. So, thanks a bunch!

Thanks for centre lining! The best solution is usually the simplest. 5:08 The bike shop will use the "Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack". Just get it first, it's under 15 bucks. It may be to bulky to take for some rides, but most tires are more difficult to mount when brand new. So, on the road, you might be OK with regular tire levers and "centristic" tire bead positioning as recommended by GCN.

Here's our hard-earned advice for fitting those difficult tyres. Got something you'd like to add? Join the conversation 👇

@jeffbrunton3291

7 жыл бұрын

Global Cycling Network - koolstop tyre jack, massive force for the last part, cannot puncture the tube

@jeffbrunton3291

7 жыл бұрын

Global Cycling Network - final step if nothing else works, warm tyre in oven (radiators are for wimps). Works great, but impossible to remove, so a last resort for race tyres. Challenge Fangos on 'large' rims, 20 minutes cooking time

@johncooper8240

7 жыл бұрын

I've found that adding a bit of baby powder to the tube surface helps lubricate the whole process.

@johnathanwetherill456

7 жыл бұрын

I dont understand why people keep knocking them for product placement . Thats who pays their bills , wages and makes it possible for them to do these videos . Give it a break hey .

@whatscookingdoc

7 жыл бұрын

One of the best temporary lubricants is Isopropyl alcohol (70% +). Works way better than soap and doesn't leave any residue. Plus it evaporates within about 2 minutes of application.

GCN - where do you get tyres that just seem to slip on like in this video?? - the tyres I put on seem to have been made by Lucifer himself - I can just imagine him heartily laughing as I snap one of my tyre levers getting that last bit on!!

Best tip ever. Struggled with my tire for half an hour, sweating all over, threw a temper tantrum and the levers all about my flat, doubted my physical strength and intelligence, watched this video and got the tire over the rim in seconds.

@andrewshaw1525

Ай бұрын

I literally just went through this

Hi, many thanks for this advice. Was struggling yesterday with heavy duty gloves and tyre levers. Today I thought I'd go on KZread and watched found your video. I followed your advice and got the tyre on easily with my bare hands, no soap and no levers and the tyre seated perfectly! The tyre was a Schwalbe Pro 1 28mm on a Hunt 50mm carbon aero rim.

THANK YOU for this video! After struggling for two hours to mount a new tire, I watched your video, and using your tip of pushing the bead into the center of the rim, I managed to pop the tire on easily, without using a tire lever. Now I'm not worried if I have to change the tire out on the road one day.

Great tips. I was struggling with a new tire. Followed the first four tips and it went on far easier.

I must say I could watch this JUST for the darling accent and encouraging attitude. Thank you!

The tip about tyre positioning is spot on, was struggling , then watched this, followed the tyre position tip and it made all the difference

"How To Fit Any DIFFICULT-To-Fit Bike Tyre": I don't see a difficult tyre on the video. Do one with a difficult for us to see

@nooksak1

6 жыл бұрын

Snyzz yeah, noticed that as well

@P4GES1

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, i mean just spent the best part of 3 hours trying to fit Conti Trail kings onto Hope 35w's....NIGHTMARE, raw fingers on a different level

@sventice

4 жыл бұрын

@ Marathon tires are orders of magnitude more difficult to mount than any other tires I've encountered. . It's a good thing they're relatively puncture-resistant, because if you're ever on the side of the road in winter with a flat, and you don't happen to have a pair of zip ties and 5 tire levers with you, you're doomed.

Thank you, GCN! The first tip was EXACTLY what I needed to mount my new tyres!

@scottnelsonsmith

Жыл бұрын

Same here. I wasted so much time trying everything else (including a trip to my local bike shop to ask advice) before running into this video. With that info, I had the tire back on the rim within 2 minutes with no tire irons.

Even six years after this video was published, tip #2 did the trick after struggling with a particularly tight tire. Many thanks Simon and GCN!

The first tip in this video made all the difference for me! I had struggled with a tire for ~30 minutes and then watched this. I was able to get it mounted in a few minutes using the suggestion he provided.

Why do I keep thinking about "Park Tools" now?

I'm panicking holy smokes, i've been trying to put gator skins on my tire for almost 2 hours now. im giving up and just so stressed right now :(

@kevinrtres

5 жыл бұрын

Hahahahahahahahahaha!! This is exactly what I am struggling with and so came looking for help!!!!

@blipco5

5 жыл бұрын

Just ask your husband to do it for you.

@animacs1

5 жыл бұрын

Me too...

@GreenRC24

5 жыл бұрын

@@blipco5 Wow, LOL

@bethanybaker6573

5 жыл бұрын

SAME. I thought I was nuts! Thank you!!!

I was about to throw my tlr mavic wheels after trying for more than an hour to put some gator hardshell on with an inner tube. That trick about finishing at the valve and pushing it was the one that saved me, you are the man!

Gosh how I needed this advice last night! Struggled with a super stubborn tyre for almost an hour, made a pinch flat in a perfectly new tube in the process, broke a tyre lever... A bike mechanic who had originally fitted these tyres onto my wheels a few months ago has told me than that he hasn't enjoyed working with them at all :) As always, great content Si and all of the GCN Team!

As someone with particulary weak hands from injury, i find this video one of the most useful i have seen i a while. Next you should do a video about riding with stronger riders / Using tactics to offset lacking fitness.

@gcn

7 жыл бұрын

Glad you like the video Spy - keep an eye out for your suggestion, too. We'll see what we can do.

@1312_PV

7 жыл бұрын

Global Cycling Network Other than using those devious tricks against the rest of the pack? :P

@johnathanwetherill456

7 жыл бұрын

Cant be done . Fitness is every thing !!!!More training

Thank you for this! I've been changing my own tires for more than 20 years and recently I tore the skin off of my thumb trying to get it on. The tire levers worked in seconds. Absolutely brilliant!

Great video, I struggled by hand for 10 min and decided to look this up. Making sure the bead was seated properly did the trick. Thank you.

Thanks for the tips! Setting the tyres at the deepest portion of the rim and pulling down to reduce slack did the trick for me (Continental Grand Prix 4 Season 28C).

So tyred of difficult tyres, finally a video thats grips me.

When i was a kid we used talcum powder to slip them on, also on the inner tube to help it evenly expand to the tyre.

You saved my life! The whole pinching from the valve then working your way around really did the trick.

Thank you! I was unable to get some new Michelin tires on my new road bike until I saw this video. Your first (and last) tip was the key. Saved my life. Thank!

showing this with an easy tyre is a bit cheezy?

@kevinrtres

5 жыл бұрын

Totally!

Giant PR-2 wheels are horrendous for puncture repair and tyre changes!

Okay so a tip I discovered myself: I have a Triban RC120 with stock wheels. These are notorious for being hard to mount tires. When you reach the difficult section, tie a shoelace tightly around one of sides that's already seated near the tightest section, this could be the left or right side. This will hold the bead in place while you lift the tire over on the other side using a tire lever.

@samhawkes5295

7 ай бұрын

Ahhh I've got the same stock wheels and it's absolutely impossible. Will try this!

Busted an inner tube and a tyre lever trying to fit my tyres in the wrong way. These tips made the job a whole lot easier, especially the first and last tip. That made the real difference. Thanks.

I was always taught that you start at the valve when fitting a tyre and finish opposite it, in the centre of the tube. Think it was more a safety precaution in case you nicked the tube with the levers. Nick the tube towards the valve stem and you could waste a tube if un repairable. I've always done my cycles as a kid this way and then any motorbike tyre set up be it road, track or dirt.

@silky86

7 жыл бұрын

Bonzo676767 yep, taught the same thing back in the day and done it that way ever since

We all saw that cheeky grin at 3:30!!

@literoadie3502

7 жыл бұрын

Well I actually didn't and was wondering why because I expected it!

@extrospective

7 жыл бұрын

Lite Roadie they cut it as he began to smile lol

@ 1:03 this is the best tip I have ever gotten on tire fitting. I I have always struggled with getting that last bit over but this trick was magical. Worked 3 times straight since I've tried the method. THANK YOU!

Thank you, after struggling for ages, trying to get tyre on with tyre lever and getting a pinch flat, I now managed to get it on with just my hands! You have saved me from a very frustrating morning!!

I've been changing my own tires for about 35 years and almost never use a tool. But this afternoon I'm mounting a pair of Bontrager AW2 on my wife's bike and I've broken 5 tire levers (had to actually go to the bike shop twice to buy levers) and punctured 3 tubes and it's still not on. Used all these tricks, because they are pretty common knowledge. Was hoping for something I didn't already know. Anyway, save your thumbs and tubes and tire levers and don't buy Bontrager AW2 clinchers.

@nemthefearless

2 жыл бұрын

throw them away ! what happens if you get a puncture when out somewhere , and don't have access to power tools ? i just learned about that one...

I'd like to see you take a brand new Continental 4000sII out of the box and try to install that without tire levers or cursing!

@marcuswellby1

3 жыл бұрын

Those continental 4000's are as tight A.F.

Fitted the tyres I was struggling to fit straight after watching this video! God Bless you Simon!

pressing the rim down was the best advice! tried for 2 days on and off and after the trick, it took 1 min! thanks!!

i'm just about to put my tyre in a pot of hot water. Then i'll try lubrication, first myself and then the tyre.....Can you recommend a good brand of bike tools :)

Hard to respect this vid when the demo tire is the easiest in the universe

I've watched several videos trying to change my difficult tire, this one helped me the most. Thank you!

Yep, the tubeless 'move the valve into the tyre' worked a treat! God bless GCN and all who sail in her!

@gcn

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Natalie, glad we could be of help

Well didnt really help but watching this gave my thumbs a break and after I decided to add a little are in the tube and the rest of the bead went on easily

Can you guys do a comparison between different price ranged carbon wheelsets? like 350$ chinese carbon vs zipp 404 vs etc!

Thank you, great advice. No. 1 - TYRE PLACEMENT is the best. My tyre was so tight to put on, I almost gave up. Watched this video, tried TYRE PLACEMENT and worked miraculously!

Worked in bike shops for years and learnt something new. Fantastic tips

I hope these tips are transferable to condom fitting, I have a big weekend coming up.

@brisfocus3648

7 жыл бұрын

a trip to Brighton?? haha

@evadbernardo5943

6 жыл бұрын

If you're in Tasmania I hope you checked ancestry.com first.

@adsensedd

6 жыл бұрын

Lubricate.

I tried almost all of these tips and sacrificing 2 of my tire levers trying to fit my schwalbe marathon plus tires and when I finally got them in I relized that they were facing the wrong way of rotation ;(

@scotscub76

5 жыл бұрын

Schwalbe are a nightmare to get on

@ScottandJodi

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, man, I feel your pain. We've got to laugh at ourselves, eh? I just purchased but have yet to use a Kool Stop tire lever. Looks like the BOMB for finishing up tough tires like the heavy Schwalbes.

The 2 tires lever @4:13 was the best trick. I had been struggling for hours because another video said to not use tools and just roll it in. This was really tight fit 700x23 tire. Made in a mere minute with the 2 levers. Thank you!😁🙏

Was really struggling with my new carbon wheels. Came to youtube for help. Your point on tyre placement saved the day. Have a thumbs up and my thanks

You could of used a brand new hard to fit tyre, that one you're using looks far to easy, cough cough. ;)

@AlexYaroff

5 жыл бұрын

Just followed the advice from tip 1 with a brand new GatorSkin over a 2-way fit wheel. Worked flawlessly!

The tyre that you changed isn't even remotely difficult. How bout making at least one video that is actually helpful!

@AlexYaroff

4 жыл бұрын

Same rules apply.

Thx this worked like a champ! In particular, pressing and pushing the tire down on both sides simultaneously. Saved me much time and finger pain.

Hi cant thank you enough for such a simple tip pushing the tyre right in all the way around so it sits in the channel on the spokes ive struggled for years and cant believe how well that works I dont need levers even on the tightest of tyres now. Cheers

Pro tip - Most people don't realize that poor spelling is what causes maintenance issues...mounting a tyre where God intended a tire goes is 98% of the fitment problem. Mounting a tire on an aluminium wheel is the other 2%. Tire + aluminum wheel = easy Sunday morning.

@jamesbutler606

7 жыл бұрын

Your comment makes no sense? you say tyre then say tire..you use the correct spelling first then the incorrect (nay, American spelling) second.

you need to explain what a beed is because only a small group of people know what that is

@ep1379

7 жыл бұрын

Zach Hall it is the wire that Grips inside the rim of the wheel

@brisfocus3648

7 жыл бұрын

when you get stung you've been.....beed

Wow, after 20 min. of struggling, watched your video and got in with 1 try! Thank you!!! 🙏

frickin awesome, tip 1 worked like a dream

Wow. Thank God for you. I've been struggling all morning, then I stop the vid in the middle of your 1st tip and bingo. Got it on in no time. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And this is a road tire over a 60mm Roval. And saved me from buying the "bike hand" tool I just finished searching for before I saw this.

Thanks so much for top advice about pushing bead to centre of rim. Spent a whole hour getting tyre on new Mavic XC821 rim then half hour getting it off after a puncture. Checked out this video and refitted the tyre in 2 minutes without even using a tyre lever.

Saved me! I spent 20 minutes last night trying to fit Conti 4000 GP S II Tires on some new Hunt Aero Lite wheels, eventually gave up then came back with soapy water and three tire levers to get it on. This morning I tried this and even though it didn't feel like I was doing anything getting the bead in the center I was able to get the tire on with no levers. Incredible difference. Thank you

after an hour of struggling, that first tip did the trick. brilliant!

Si was not kidding about the importance of centering the bead. Spent 20 minutes fighting the tyre, levers flying all across the room. Having centered the bead got it in in literally 30 seconds. Cheers for the excellent advice!

Thank you so much! Fingers ACHING with the effort of pulling at the sodding tyre. Finally got it by pushing edge of tyre to middle as suggested. You have made an old git (71) very very happy!!!

Thanks, it worked! Squidging the bead into the centre of the rim and leaving the valve to last worked well. Didn't even need tyre levers in the end!

The advice in the video is brilliant. I had some new mtb tyres to fit on some aluminium rims, did not want to use metal levers so as not to damage anything. The plastic levers might as well have been made from rubber. Using your tips the tyres were fitted in minutes, with no levers. Cheers and regards. As a side note, I learnt to change bike tyres at school over forty years ago, using forks for levers.

All respect to you for first and last tip. I had a bloodied finger and 30 minute struggle before I googled for new ideas. I guess i was just lucky in the past to have always had it centered when i pushed with fingers, but these went in only when i focused on centering the inside braid. Thanks a lot.

Thank you! New to cycling and got a puncture first time out!! This was very helpful

Watched this after I got a blister on my thumb. 100% recommend the tyre rim in the middle valley or the rim trick and working down towards the value it worked first try for me! Thanks!

When all hope was gone, this video saved the day! best video ever!!! thanks gcn.

Your first suggestion worked for me. Thanks very much.

Cy You’re a genius! Five-year-old video is spot on I’ve been struggling for a while now in your first tip did the trick thank you, and thank you to the creators behind the scenes!

Thanks GCN, as always great tips that really helped, nice work Si'

Was struggling for about 20 minutes using tire levers. As soon as I flipped part of one side over the edge the same amount on the other side came off. With keeping the tire in the middle of the rim bed I managed to put it on with just my thumbs. Thank you!

Spent hours with tyre levers trying to get a maxxis high roller 2 on ... watched this video and got the tyre on by hand within minutes. Thank you for saving my sanity !

First tip solved the problem for me straight away. I’m glad I found this video!

That worked! Not sure which combo of warm tyres, pushing into middle, pushing out valve and a bit of lube but worked! Thanks for video

Rolling with thumbs and palm of hand persistently and simultaneously is also crucial.. Phenomenal video!

thanks GCN! my new wheels have been hellish putting on my 28s. these tips helped so much

I got 1:32 into the video and you already helped me. Trying to mount a set of gum walls to a 50 year old set of rims. They were not seating evenly. Tried your first tip, worked perfectly. Thanks!

Brilliant suggestions. I was ready to give up but you saved the day. Well done.

i watched a half dozen videos before seeing someone actually clearly demonstrate how to get that last bit on with two tire levers at 4:12 --i have super sore hands and didn't get to ride today, but i'm super grateful for this