Mechanics probably be a better source for what tire rim combination is an easy or hard mount.

I have been known to quit using a wheel or rim (especially in the winter when flat is more likely) if the tire
is too hard to take off or on. Often the steel bead tires are better for this.

Never ever use a tire iron to mount a tire. First get the tube in proper, inflate for form. then work the bead that is already "on" toward the center (where the diameter is smaller) while simultanously use the other hand to keep pushing on the bead that is "not-on" yet. it must be emphasized: You _really_ have to work the "on" bead toward the center, and make sure the tube isn't stuck underneath the bead.

It helps to use thin rim tape to keep that diameter smaller, most my wheels i now use filament packing tape (i get the 3M stuff from mcmastercarr). Make sure you put down one layer of electrical tape (dirt cheap at harbor freight) otherwise the packing tape is almost impossible to get off the rim later. Deburr the spoke holes too. And be careful, do two layers depending on tape. Also I learned the hard way to never re-use old cloth rim strip if its lost most of its stickniness... if it slips off the spoke hole you will flat instantly, this is very disconcerting when descending a curvy road...

Any clincher, if it flats, you can't ride on anymore, at least not like a tubular. Ok you can ride at maybe 5mph, but you might end up cutting the tire sidewall, and of course small indentions into rim. The only clinchers i have had come totally off the rim after a flat and if i keep riding on them, is MTB tire or cyclocross tire.. ie probably 32c or bigger..

Way back, known some that would carry a spare tubular tire and just put that on a clincher rim to get home. Makes the fixing the "flat" very fast.

I have had some poorly made rims too that the tire wouldn't stay on. This is very disconcerting too when the tire blasts off like a shotgun. I knew it was the rim hook bead because the second tire i tried was a gatorskin.

----- Original Message ----
From: David Auker
To: OBRA Chat
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 5:37:00 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Tubulars vs. clinchers

Speaking of clinchers' potential for coming off the rim when
experiencing a flat, what about going ONTO the rim, the mounting? I
find the Michelin Carbon to be quite hard to mount, very tight, scary
that I might "snake bite" the tube...really wouldn't want to be out on a
cold rainy day and have a flat on one! On the other hand, Vredestein
clinchers go on VERY easily, almost disturbingly so (they ARE rated at
high psi, but could come off rim easily on sudden flat??). Any
preferences out there for easy/tough mounting?

Mike Murray wrote:
> john [twotiretinker-obra2@yahoo.com] wrote:
>
> "Getting a flat on the track with a clincher would be quite the feat in
> itself. if you really try hard, of course possible :"
>
> Must not be that much of a feat. I have seen it happen several times.
>
> Mike Murray
>
> _______________________________________________
>

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