Jem
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Jun 17, 2015 17:54:45 GMT
Oh man alive!
These are an absolute swine to get on the old mavic rims. I've been at it almost an hour and had to give my poor thumbs a break.
My pride prevents me from giving up but my finger joints are very persuasive in giving a counter argument.
Anyone else experienced anything like this? I usually use anything that is available or my preference is Schwalbe. I never bought Continental before.
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Post by 54roadie on Jun 17, 2015 18:56:33 GMT
YES! on the Campy Delta rims. Those are tight rims anyway, and the last time I tried to put Conti rubber on I ended up with yet another hole in the tube and, like you, really really sore hands. Are they wire bead or Kevlar? The 700c x 28mm wire beads are just impossible - but once on I go years, in Chicago, without flats. When they finally wear out I'll get folders, and may try the Schwalbe or another make. Tufo clincher-tubulars? Maybe... Tufo Clincher-tubular Using the whole hand, not just thumbs, seems to be the only way, short of tools (which I don't want to use) or small nuclear weapons (which I don't have)  This handy dandy gizmo isn't available in the US, so I may break down and get one from cyberspace: Var Tyre lever "bead jack."Good luck and happy rides, Frank |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Jun 17, 2015 21:09:00 GMT
I was running Schwalbe Durano 700x23 and didn't have an issue with the tyre as such - they were nice and light and less than average amount of punctures. But...they were a bit of a harsh ride on my Deore 18AX and I decided to go up to 32c to try and see if it helped. The only ones in stock were these Contimental (I couldn't get the Schwalbe I wanted) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351421218657I can still send them back and probably will as they are filling me with dread if I had a puncture miles from home. I have seen that 'bead jack' on a forum and thought they were for softies.....but that was before I had these arthritis inducing rock hard Conti's. Just Googled it and see a number of people have an issue. |
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Post by Stella on Jun 17, 2015 21:58:33 GMT
YES! on the Campy Delta rims. Those are tight rims anyway, and the last time I tried to put Conti rubber on I ended up with yet another hole in the tube and, like you, really really sore hands. Are they wire bead or Kevlar? The 700c x 28mm wire beads are just impossible - but once on I go years, in Chicago, without flats. When they finally wear out I'll get folders, and may try the Schwalbe or another make. Tufo clincher-tubulars? Maybe... Tufo Clincher-tubular Using the whole hand, not just thumbs, seems to be the only way, short of tools (which I don't want to use) or small nuclear weapons (which I don't have) This handy dandy gizmo isn't available in the US, so I may break down and get one from cyberspace: Var Tyre lever "bead jack."Good luck and happy rides, Frank That tool is absolutely great. Used it a few times back then. |
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Post by Stella on Jun 17, 2015 22:01:14 GMT
I was running Schwalbe Durano 700x23 and didn't have an issue with the tyre as such - they were nice and light and less than average amount of punctures. But...they were a bit of a harsh ride on my Deore 18AX and I decided to go up to 32c to try and see if it helped. The only ones in stock were these Contimental (I couldn't get the Schwalbe I wanted) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351421218657I can still send them back and probably will as they are filling me with dread if I had a puncture miles from home. I have seen that 'bead jack' on a forum and thought they were for softies.....but that was before I had these arthritis inducing rock hard Conti's. Just Googled it and see a number of people have an issue. I hear you! Some rim/tyre combinations are killers. They're good tyres, though. |
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Post by velocipete on Jun 18, 2015 6:10:22 GMT
When I was working as a bike mechanic,I always tried to talk people out of buying Contis.
Unless they wanted to fit them themselves! They never seemed to buy them again.
Duranos or Luganos do the job for me,or Michelin World Tours on 27" wheels.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Post by 54roadie on Jun 18, 2015 21:41:38 GMT
That's good, Pete. I'm beginning to think that way myself. Many of my riding friends RAVE about Conti's, going years without flats, good cornering, etc. I do go a long way on them and have worn a couple down until the protective under strip is showing in several places, but, especially with new wire beads, the installation is a bear. Even old wire beads have been known to have me ummm, err, well, lets' just say "angry." You're on Schwalbe, then, or the Michelin? Happy with the wear / cornering / flat resistance? This includes pinch flats - I run all my wheels at high pressures because of the generally bad pavement here. Lots of high, sharp edges.
Just bought one of those VAR bead jack tools. haven't gotten it yet, but will let everyone know how well it works on a set of Conti Gatorskin 28mm wire bead tires going on Campy Delta rims.
Frank
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Post by Stella on Jun 21, 2015 23:02:08 GMT
It's all in the technique, boys! :-)
Says she who was swearing (a lot) when putting on a Marathon Plus on a Brompton wheel.
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Post by lewisg on Aug 16, 2015 12:57:48 GMT
When I've had enough of blistering my thumbs trying to fit a tire I've found a tyre lever works perfectly well. Not tried Contis though.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Aug 16, 2015 23:01:40 GMT
So true! I have mounted several sets of Contis; all were difficult and required a couple of tire irons (levers). The second time you mount them, (you know, the flat thing) they seem just right and do not need tools.
Jim
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Post by 54roadie on Aug 17, 2015 3:50:54 GMT
My wire bead Conti 28mm Gatorskins still refuse to go back on their rims. I've been told that putting them out in the sun for a few hours makes that easier. Of course, then I won't flat till middle of winter and what then? I did pick up a VAR tire jack / lever combo and so far it works well. Haven't used it on the 28's yet. Will keep folks posted.
Next tires I try will be Kenda. Had a good talk with the area rep at the MS charity ride this summer. They look to be good tires and Kenda was the only tire company at the fundraiser ride for my favorite charity. So they get next shot.
Frank
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Aug 17, 2015 11:00:36 GMT
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