I’ve just fitted some new SM2s. Man they are tough to get on through that first bead - is it just me or do others have the same issue? Le Cont SVC, no problems. Previous Yellows no problem (albeit a bit tougher). But these give me a full work out. I have no idea how a female would get them on, unless they’re pushing serious weights.
Is there some special technique? Yes, I’ve used half a tub of wax. Yes, I have the usual tools. It’s just that first manual bead push.
I haven’t found them to be any different to mount than other tires. Just did a set of them yesterday on AMV Tigers by hand. I use a little Maxima SC1 sprayed on the bead and on the rim to make it slick. From there it’s just technique.
I have a very large flathead screwdriver I just use. I can get the first bead through sometimes manually (haven’t tried that particular tire, but that’s beside the point), but now I pretty much don’t even try. I get it 80% of the way (the easy part) and then use a screwdriver (spoon would be smarter) to inch the bead on a little at a time. After about the second increment, it pops all the way.
Thank you. I’ll definitely give that approach a go next time.
If you don’t have them already, get some tire scissors. They make life a million times easier. Also let the tires soak in the sun for a while if they’re brand new. Lube up the bead when putting the wheel in the tire.
Tires nice and warm. Either from the sun or the inside my truck if needed. I use Windex for lube. It works well and evaporates quickly but not too quick. To get the second side of the tire on the rim I like to use the wooden floor of the ramp door on my trailer. Kneel from the high side pointing down and use my knees to keep the first part of the tire below the drop Center of the rim and use my hands to push the rest over. That way gravity and body weight do half the work. I have actually got to the point that enjoy changing tires.