Tight Gator Skins

Chris65
Chris65 Posts: 41
edited November 2010 in Road beginners
Anyone had any bother fitting Gator Skin tyres.
I got a pair last week and have never struggled so much to fit tyres. Any tips would be much appreciated.

Comments

  • Mark Alexander
    Mark Alexander Posts: 2,277
    no
    http://twitter.com/mgalex
    www.ogmorevalleywheelers.co.uk

    10TT 24:36 25TT: 57:59 50TT: 2:08:11, 100TT: 4:30:05 12hr 204.... unfinished business
  • wiffachip
    wiffachip Posts: 861
    yes.

    instead of trying to pull the last bit over the rim, push the tyre into the rim opposite the last bit

    that's as clear as mud isn't it ? it works though
  • rc856
    rc856 Posts: 1,144
    I feel your pain mate!
    I bought a pair for the winter and they were quite hard to fit on my Zonda's.
    Don't know if I can describe it ok but I just had to push the edge of the tyre in with the tyre lever and then try to push the lever along.
    Unfortunately I know what I mean but dont know if that helps?
    I'm guessing you put a wee bit of air in your inner as well?
  • Cleat Eastwood
    Cleat Eastwood Posts: 7,508
    never in the field of human conflict have so many fingers been chafed.....unless you count that time i tried to frig anne widdicombe

    heres a vid how to fit unforgiving beaded tyres. very useful

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUFVrl0UT4
    The dissenter is every human being at those moments of his life when he resigns
    momentarily from the herd and thinks for himself.
  • Grifteruk
    Grifteruk Posts: 244
    I found warming them up seemed to help a lot. After struggling for ages, I put mine in warm water for a while and dried them off before trying again. It worked a treat I got it to fit first time.
    Cento Uno: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50922670@N ... 207062942/
  • Scrumple
    Scrumple Posts: 2,665
    meh

    That is the video I was trying to find the other day. After watching it I have never struggled. It REALLY works.
    I showed four mates on a club run when one had a whoopsie, and they were equally impressed.

    For anyone watching, it is the last bit that counts... Getting the final few inches over.

    The tip - as already explained, is just to run your fingers round the whole of the opposite side and push the rim towards you, toward the side that wont go over.

    Watch it!
  • qwerty1982
    qwerty1982 Posts: 232
    YEAH I'VE HAD TROUBLE WITH THEM BOOOOOGERS B4!!!
    oops shouting sorry.
    Will watch the vid!!!
    Read My race reports from the Whyte Winter Series
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Depends which rims you're attempting to fit them to.
  • chadders81
    chadders81 Posts: 744
    Can't recommend that video enough. By constantly pushing the bead deeper in to the rim, I didn't even need toe straps or cable tied with my M+s.
  • Scrumple
    Scrumple Posts: 2,665
    good innit.
  • twotyred
    twotyred Posts: 822
    I've got 25mm folding Gatorskins on both bikes and never had a problem fitting them.
  • Chris65
    Chris65 Posts: 41
    Thanks to all of you. The video was helpful.
    Once my thumbs heal I will practice the technique.

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