Tire Mounting Hints & Tips: Difference between revisions

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*Get a pair of large vise grips and a heavy piece of leather to avoid scratching the rims. Once you get the bead started, clamp the vise grips over the edge of the rim, with the leather between the vise grips and the rim. This will prevent the bead from slipping off behind you as you slowly work it on all the way around and allow you to use 2 tire irons to work the bead over.

*A piece of garden hose slit lengthwise makes a good wheel protector, but you can't get the hose in there for the very last bit. Try using the milk carton protector for that part, but make sure you use your lever very carefully to avoid hurting the wheel.

*Wrap the rim end of the tire irons with duct tape. It's not a perfect solution, but it will help keep from scratching the rims.

*Start at the valve stem when you are removing the tire from the rim, but start opposite the valve stem when putting the tire onto the rim. Don't ask why; it's just always easier this way.

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====General balancing tips====

*You should be able to find stick-on tire weights at any shop that changes tires~~. You'll probably have to buy in bulk otherwise~~. A shop may just hand you an ounce or two (more than enough) but talk with one of the guys actually doing the work... not the morons behind the counter who never get dirty.

*You should be able to find stick-on tire weights at any shop that changes tires. A shop may just hand you an ounce or two (more than enough) but talk with one of the guys actually doing the work... not the morons behind the counter who never get dirty.

:*You can also check out hobby shops that cater to R/C planes and cars. The R/C crowd uses them for weight balance on their toys. A 20-pack of 1/4 oz stick-on weights should run ~$5.

:* eBay usually has dealers selling stick-on weights as well.

*Balancing on the bike: This is an alternative to jack stands or milk crates. Make sure the bike is sitting level. After seating and inflating the tire, mount the wheel loosely on the bike. Remove the spacers (the brake calipers are already off from changing the tires) and balance as normal.

====Cold tires are a PITA to install====

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 *Get a pair of large vise grips and a heavy piece of leather to avoid scratching the rims. Once you get the bead started, clamp the vise grips over the edge of the rim, with the leather between the vise grips and the rim. This will prevent the bead from slipping off behind you as you slowly work it on all the way around and allow you to use 2 tire irons to work the bead over.
 *A piece of garden hose slit lengthwise makes a good wheel protector, but you can't get the hose in there for the very last bit. Try using the milk carton protector for that part, but make sure you use your lever very carefully to avoid hurting the wheel.
-*Wrap the rim end of the tire irons with duct tape. It's not a perfect solution, but it will help keep from scratching the rims.
 *Start at the valve stem when you are removing the tire from the rim, but start opposite the valve stem when putting the tire onto the rim. Don't ask why; it's just always easier this way.
@@ Line 34: / Line 32: @@
 ====General balancing tips====
-*You should be able to find stick-on tire weights at any shop that changes tires. You'll probably have to buy in bulk otherwise. A shop may just hand you an ounce or two (more than enough) but talk with one of the guys actually doing the work... not the morons behind the counter who never get dirty.
+*You should be able to find stick-on tire weights at any shop that changes tires. A shop may just hand you an ounce or two (more than enough) but talk with one of the guys actually doing the work... not the morons behind the counter who never get dirty.
 :*You can also check out hobby shops that cater to R/C planes and cars.  The R/C crowd uses them for weight balance on their toys. A 20-pack of 1/4 oz stick-on weights should run ~$5.
 :* eBay usually has dealers selling stick-on weights as well.
 *Balancing on the bike: This is an alternative to jack stands or milk crates. Make sure the bike is sitting level. After seating and inflating the tire, mount the wheel loosely on the bike. Remove the spacers (the brake calipers are already off from changing the tires) and balance as normal.
 ====Cold tires are a PITA to install====