Any tool out there to help change the tire?

[liltommy]

I had my first official trail flat Saturday (No, they don't only happen to other people). It was also the first time I've changed the tube on a 29er wheel.

The tire fits on real loose. If crashmasta hadn't been there to lend a 3rd and 4th hand I would have played heck going again. I'm wondering if there a tool or device I don't know about that would help in this situation. I'm thinking that something like rubber bands that would hold the part of the tire where you've already got the bead started into the rim.

Tommy

[markie]

You do not need a tool. Try partially inflating the tube. Then get one side of the tyre to bead in the rim. Then on the other side get the bead in at one point and then work away from that point with both hands moving apart, beading the tyre as you go.

having the tube inflated a little can really help a lot.

[piperj]

Just be careful when you get to where you are trying to use the tire tool to push the last couple of inches of tire over the rim. Partially inflated tube + using lever to push tire over rim = pinched tube, tire still flat. ;)

[markie]

Well if the tyre is so loose that start with I am guessing that he should be able to get it on completely by hand.

[themonkeyman]

Yeah, just fully seat it by hand, and then pump it up. As you inflate the tube, the bead will most always seat itself on the rim, especially because it jsut came off the rim, and has alrealy "conformed" to the rim's beat-seat.

I actually advise against partially inflating it, because once a tube's inflated, it's hard to get it completely flat again, which is helpful for putting a tire on--Good luck--Graham

[jks9199]

Unfortunately, I've had to change "just a few" tires... (OK, so I hold the record for most flats and other mechanicals in bike training... But I learned how to change and patch flats, fix chains, and do a few other things not normally covered!)

I usually partially inflate the tube after I've patched it or replaced it...just enough to give it a little shape. Seems to make things easier for me. After I've searched the tire for the cause of the flat, and dealt with it (it really sucks to put a new tube in...only to have another flat because the thorn is still there... And do check the whole tire...you might have one that didn't cause the flat...but will get the new tube!). I slip the tire back on the rim, so that half is riding inside the rim and pretty much seated. Then the new tube slips in/under, and finally, I work the tire back on. A lot of the time, I don't really need tire tools to reseat it, at least not until the very end. Then it's just be careful...and you can pinch a flat tube just as easily as a very slightly inflated tube, in my experience. Once you've got things in place...fill the tube completely. I think I got the whole sequence down to under 5 minutes... including locating and patching! But that was using CO2 inflators...not a hand pump!

As for a special tool on the 29s... Probably not one out there yet, but wouldn't be hard to make something. Probably the easiest way might be a strip of old inner tube and a binder clip, if I'm picturing the problem right. That way, you'd have something cheap, light, and easily adjusted.

Of course, mileage may vary, and others experience doubtlessly suggest that I'm a complete idiot. That's OK... My opinions and $4 get you an overpriced cup of coffee at Starbucks -- and they'd probably appreciate it if you just left my opinion out of it, anyway! :D

Jim

[martin]

You do not need a tool...

All you need is to make sure Scott's with you. He's had lots of practice lately :D