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Message started by johnnybent on Aug 17^th, 2010, 9:55pm

Title: tire irons
Post by johnnybent on Aug 17^th, 2010, 9:55pm

I've had major pain with flats this year with the x stream. Today it was on the front. After my usual battle with replacing the tube I called hostel shop for alloy levers and a device which pulls a tight tire onto the rim. Conti's have always been tight but these 650's are nuts. Anyone else use these?

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by jcsadowski on Aug 18^th, 2010, 8:19am

This one?
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1169247237
I saw one in action, worked good.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 18^th, 2010, 8:53am

I carry VAR levers on both of my bikes. They're hard to beat. Zach Kaplan sells them. Here's (http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?p=548472) the thread on BROL where he mentions them.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by TonyWard on Aug 18^th, 2010, 8:57am

jcsadowski wrote:

This one?
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1169247237
I saw one in action, worked good.

+1 got one - love it! Couldn't get the tires on my old bike without them. Tires on my 'bent are easier to get on but I still use it b/c I'm lazy.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by johnnybent on Aug 18^th, 2010, 9:19am

I forgot about the VAR levers, they look more compact for carry. I wish the local stores would carry stuff like this.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 19^th, 2010, 7:29am

Dan Schaaf (SquareCorners) has a bead jack, and likes it, too....

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by mleuck on Aug 20^th, 2010, 6:52pm

johnnybent wrote:

Which tire brand do you use that gets so many flats? I haven't had one in maybe 2 years now

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by johnnybent on Aug 20^th, 2010, 9:08pm

The bike came with Schwalbe stelvio, I switched to conti 4000's then Conti Gators. It is the only bike I've really have ever had problems with. I've started to think my weight was part of the problem at 200. Ive looked at the rims but the flats have been due to thors and glass. I got my lever in today and tried it out. I hope it works just as well when I'm hot and sweating. Just as a word of warning...some one is breaking glass just past the arborterum where the guys fish.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 21^st, 2010, 5:02pm

Conti Gatorskins are especially hard to get on and off, anyway. Pair them with the wrong rims, and it's nearly impossible. I'm fighting that right now, and building another set of wheels with rims that should be an easier fit for Conti Gatorskins, since that's what I run on the SXP for commuting. They definitely wear well on a heavy commuting bike, though.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 23^rd, 2010, 5:51pm

I finished my new commuting wheels yesterday, and rode on them today. The Conti Gatorskins were an easy fit, no problem at all. So, add Specialized XL21 rims to the go list and put Sun DS2-XC rims on the no go list. Now, if the XL21's will just hold up to commuting...

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by johnnybent on Aug 23^rd, 2010, 9:28pm

I guess it's good to know it's not just me and the gators. I may have to look at a differnent wheel this fall. I thought I had it made...no flats in four days....the tires had given up their quest to overpower me knowing I now had this tool where i was now their master >:(. But no, they decided to test me in the field. The alloy levers easily got the tire off the rim and after replacing the tube, I was able the easily slide the tire back on using the jack. These things should be requried in every bag...no more cut and bruised fingers. Shops need to stock these. Now I need to discuss the matter with Conti about why they call em Gatorskins. Im about to turn mine into a belt.

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by jcsadowski on Aug 25^th, 2010, 3:38pm

I received mine in the mail today. I am so happy!!!

Title: Re: tire irons
Post by goldentouch on Sep 7^th, 2010, 7:08pm

I keep the Var levers on the bikes I ride regular and Kool-Stop - Tire Bead Jack in my tool box in the truck. The Var levers are so light you don't even know they are there until you need them. I believe they weigh less than a C O 2 cartage