Tyre levers

[tigersaw]

Anyone change their own tyres?
I want to change my trail bike tyres, looks easy peasy on youtube, and I'm told it will only take me several hours and a few injuries to do my first
What size tyre levers, 200, 240, 300 mm? What type, just standard hook and taper?

I've changed tyres on my trail bike a few times and it's always a fight! I recommend you by a couple of levers from your local off road store, if they know what they're talking about they can advise which are best. I use 300mm + ; you'll need the leverage.

Just be carefull not to trap the inner tube, else it's start all over again! Rim clamps and spoke tape will be a pain, trying to put them in place while the tyre's half on.

If you're used to doing a bit of home maintenance you should be OK. Just take you're time.

[tigersaw]

Did you use a proper tyre changing stand, or just a milk crate?

I read somewhere you can use gaffa tape as spoke tape, it wont budge.

I also used a 4 inch piece of hose pipe cut length ways to go over the rim to prevent scratches/marks. Hmm, and loads of washing up liquid.

You may wanna ride the bike round first to warm the tyre up as this will make it easier to take off.

have fun!


btw: think I used 220mm.....

I managed the tyres on my GS easy but struggle with the smaller ones on my Beta.

I bought some KTM levers, the curvey end ones as they are what those who regularly have to do rate highly, like the large ones here
http://www.dirtbikebook.com/acatalog/TyreWheelAccs.html

Since then havent used them but my friends reckon they are the best.

Like said above warm tyres help and I use an old tyre underneath as a support or knock up a wooden triangle.

PS if you buy those plastic rim protectors tie some cord in the the hole so when they fall in the tyre you can get them out DAMHIK

[flymo]

tyre soap makes a world of difference also. Removes most of the friction allowing you to slip them on and off with ease.

Originally Posted by tigersaw

Did you use a proper tyre changing stand, or just a milk crate?

I read somewhere you can use gaffa tape as spoke tape, it wont budge.

Nice idea, might try the gaffa tape next time.

Never used stand or crate, just been careful. Don't put the wheel disc side down. it could get damaged or distorted.

[flymo]

two pieces of wood (say 4x2 inch) are perfect for resting the wheel on. Keeps the discs off the floor too.

[johnnyrod]

Get the longest levers you can, you'll appreciate it