Try to find a set of tire levers 'formerly known as "Var" '. It's the only lever I know that is designed for mounting the tire too. I got my last set at "loose Screws". A single lever that resides in a wishbone like lever, both in a tough, but not totally unbreakable nylon or plastic. Really wide levers, and the wishbone has a hook on one side and a little 'fork' (?) on the other. The 'fork' sits on one side of the rim, the 'hook' lifts the tire up to snap into place. And those Pave's are tight! For them, I don't even blow a puff of air into the tube. Just get one side of the tire on, and I even remember needing the tool for that. Mount the tube and place into the tire as much as you can, start at the valve and work the bead on away from the valve, set the valve saddle into the tire, and then use the wishbone. I squeeze the tire where the bead's out of the rim with my knees, use the wishbone to work the tire on from the opposite side of the open bead, and use the single lever's round end to push the tube in while I'm working the bead on. Squeeze the wishbone enough to keep it from bowing or it may snap. I've never lost one, but I've seen them break.
Then on those really tight tires, start at the valve and squeeze the tire from both sides under strong light to make sure the tube's not sticking out. If it is, work the tube back under, then pump it up with impunity. ... unless it don't sit right!
Those old Var tire levers were the best!
Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland USA
Archive-URL:
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I know some of you are in love with the ride of the Veloflex Pave. But I have a question for you.
Is there some particular method other than what one usually does to mount these tires? I am mounting a set on some Mod E rims and they are a major PITA. I have one done and am giving serious thought as to whether I want to mount the other. I have mounted other tight tires...Contis for one, but these take the cake. The mounted tire looks great, but what a struggle. I have to use tire irons just to get
the first bead on the wheel. I might mention that I do have arthritis in my hands and cannot use my thumbs for much pressure. The old Mafac tire irons are working, but jeez.
Suggestions?
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Lynn Travers
Hazelwood, Missouri USA