Looking for recommendations on tubed tires that can be easily mounted on tubeless ready rims. I’m currently using Conti GP4/5000 (25mm) and they are very difficult to mount, especially on the side of the road. Are there any tires that are easier to mount?
I could probably fit a larger tire on the back, but the front is pretty tight, so I’m probably limited to 25’s.
TIA.
Hey @JohnnyG I’ll chip in to maybe start some discussion. It might help if you tell us what wheels you are running and the internals of the rim?
My experience is less the tire and more the combo of certain rims and certain tires are not good. Some of this relates to the concerns of manufacturers making the wheels slightly bigger and then the tires slightly smaller than they should be to ensure a tight fit with tubeless and avoid liability. Continental are known for not being good with their tolerances either (despite making great tires).
Thanks Oliver. My wheels are Fulcrum Zero’s from about 10 years ago - but I don’t think there is an easy answer. (I have heard Vittoria tires might be easier than Conti). When I put on new tires last year, it was really difficult. I did the trick where you position the tire bead in the center of the rim channel, and I put some soap on the edge of the rim, while working in my basement with all the necessary tools. I still needed 3 tire levers to pry the tire over the rim and I still pinched the tube. I’m half a season away from having to do that again. If I flat on the side of the road, it takes half an hour and there is a high probability of pinching.
I was reminded of all this on our ride last Thursday. The first flat looked like a struggle. The second flat was much easier because Jeff had 30mm tires. So I think that is a large part of the answer, but I can’t fit larger tires.
It used to be so easy before tubeless came along.
I’m putting some thought into a fork with more clearance, but the options are very limited for rim brakes.
This article talks about vittorias and Hutchinson. On Test: Fulcrum Racing Zero 2-Way Fit – Road Bike Action
It might be worth going to the local bike shops and getting their thoughts and even see if they will let you try and mount one to test it.
Personally I had the same problem and why I went full tubeless on the road. It obviously has its own issues but I haven’t had to change a tire on the road since I switched at least.
I spent 15 minutes fighting two tires last night, bad enough I needed the kid to stand on the bead of the tire on the rim while I forced the remainder on.
Only to pinch the tube in the second tire. Thankfully I got it inflated which stretched the tire enough to make the second attempt much easier.
I’ve always found tires ok to remove once they have been installed with the exception of a set of gator skins where I snapped several leavers in a place with tools. They were promptly removed and never used again.
