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?  

I carry VAR levers on both of my bikes. They're hard to beat. Zach Kaplan sells them. Here's the thread on BROL where he mentions them.

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

Quote from johnnybent on Aug 17^th, 2010, 9:55pm:

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

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.

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.

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