Tyre removal & refitting made easier

Eagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 31, 2012
381
134
I am sure that most cyclists know the secret of removing and refitting difficult tyres, such as the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.

For those who don’t, please read on.

The trick is to position the tyre beads in the central well of the wheel rim, NOT on the external rims where the inflated tyre will sit finally.

Explanatory links:

http://jimlangley.net/wrench/flattiresbyhand.htm



You may be fortunate and be able to do the whole removal and refitting using just your hands as shown in the videos.

Should you need to use a tyre lever, then I can recommend these sturdy Pedro’s tyre levers:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pedros-Unisex-Adult-Levers-Yellow/dp/B000IZGFCE

In addition I found this Kool Tool Tire Bead Jack to be a godsend when refitting the final few inches of the bead on my Marathon Plus tyres:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kool-Stop-Tire-Bead-Jack/dp/B001AYML7K

Video:


SALE: For anybody using the Schwalbe Marathon Pluses in the 27.5 x 1.5 (650b) size, SJS Cycles currently has them at a sale price of £19.99:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-large/schwalbe-marathon-plus-hs440-tyre-275-x-150-inch-40584/
 
  • Informative
Reactions: falmouthtony

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,909
6,512
puny tyre lol ;)
 

Gubbins

Esteemed Pedelecer
Unfortunately the tyre bead in the very shallow centre well didn't work for me on my 700c wheels, mostly because the tyres had a naturally wide stance and hard inflexible sidewalls so wouldn't stay there long enough for me work my way around the wheel.
So,
Bought a bead jack and no flats since fitting. In fact after nearly 3000 miles.. No flats..
 

Fat Rat

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 7, 2018
1,903
726
UK
The problem I get isn’t getting tyres on it’s breaking the tyre bead on tubeless rims as the tyre bead grippers are a bugger too pop off
Could do with a scaled down version of a car tyre bead breaker with certain rims and tyres :)
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
20,376
16,875
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
I feel sorry for his table top
 
  • :D
Reactions: Fat Rat

Jimo

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 15, 2018
256
94
87
Fakenham, Norfolk
Well, quite obviously he wasn’t married - but thats about me too!
Don’t like tyres at 81 + bad back & severe lack of breath!

Jim
 
Last edited:

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,993
Basildon
Unfortunately the tyre bead in the very shallow centre well didn't work for me on my 700c wheels, mostly because the tyres had a naturally wide stance and hard inflexible sidewalls so wouldn't stay there long enough for me work my way around the wheel.
So,
Bought a bead jack and no flats since fitting. In fact after nearly 3000 miles.. No flats..
The trick is to put tension on the bit of tyre you're trying to lever or pull over. While the tension is on, push the edge of the rest of the tyre into the well and it'll stay there. You should be able to fit most tyres without using any tools other than your bare hands.
 

Jimo

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 15, 2018
256
94
87
Fakenham, Norfolk
Ho-hum, tyres really, really worry me because these days I run out of breath within 2 minutes of any exertion, I’m due to see a cardiac consultant in May to see if they can do anything about the prob, I think I need another stent or two but going on like this is annoying.

Jim
 
Last edited: