Removing Mavic UST Tyres from UST wheels

rwoofer
rwoofer Posts: 222
in Road general
Got a new set of Ksyrium Pro Carbon UST SL wheels with Mavic tyres already mounted, but I want some wider Panaracers on them instead. Spent 2 hours trying to get the tyres off with no success and very sore thumbs. I did manage to get one bead off into the central track after 30 mins or so, but the other bead refuses to move.

Anyone else experience this? How the hell are you supposed to remove the tyres and what would happen if you need to add an inner tube on the road?

Comments

  • aberdeen_lune
    aberdeen_lune Posts: 547
    I’ve changed quite a few tyres on Mavic UST wheels. Can you not get the tyre lever under the tyre? They are stiff but with a bit of strength and a good tyre lever, I use the Pedro ones, I have no issues getting them off and on.
  • rwoofer
    rwoofer Posts: 222
    No chance of getting a tyre lever in the gap. I eventually took them to a shop and the mechanic showed me the trick to do it. You effectively have to roll the tyre sideways and with enough force (still lots!) it will separate. I reckon with wet hands on the roadside in winter, you still won't succeed. Now I got them off and put some Panaracers on, they seem to be far easier than the Mavic tyres.
  • thecycleclinic
    thecycleclinic Posts: 395
    Erm the op needs mechanics thumbs.
    www.thecycleclinic.co.uk
  • rwoofer
    rwoofer Posts: 222
    Those levers look interesting. Clearly there is a problem otherwise people wouldn't invent them.

    So how many tyres do you need to change a week to get mechanics thumbs?
  • thecycleclinic
    thecycleclinic Posts: 395
    It more how you use your thumbs than how strong they are. I have had more trouble fitting tyres since finished pbp though. My left hand has lost its strength. Nerve damage I think. It's coming back slowly.

    Tubeless tyre can be and should be tight. Conventional levers have trouble getting under and staying under the bead of tight tyres. It's not a problem. It's how the tyre meant to be so a different tool is needed. That's all.
    www.thecycleclinic.co.uk
  • thecycleclinic
    thecycleclinic Posts: 395
    edited November 2019
    If you struggle getting a tyre to unseat. Go medieval on it. Get a pair of mole grips clamp the tyre and pull. It will come off
    Had do do that on a set of hunts once. Even mechanics thumbs did not work there.
    www.thecycleclinic.co.uk

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