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I know WTB gravel tyres have a reputation for being tough to fit, but my Resolutes actually went on to my Pacenti rims easily enough.
Problem is, they don't seat properly, I left them sitting inflated to 80psi and there were sections of bead still 'below' the rim, leading to all sorts of wobbles.
I've ready about using alcohol gel etc. to lubricate them when fitting, but I was hoping for something which was a bit more permanent, for remote/trailside repairs.
Was sure someone on here mentioned a product which was effectively a 'wax' for tyre beads (searched 'bead wax' returns a discontinued Tioga product and some 5kg drums of automotive stuff).
Anyone tried this/do this? Seems a shame to write of the WTB range of tyres just because I don't trust them to seat properly!
Ta
I just use a bar of soap and a little water. You could chop a bit off and carry it around with you in a wee bag.
No need to buy all these bullshit marketing products. Just a bit of fairy liquid should do the trick.
What rims? I seem to be having this issue with a set of Grail rims with a couple of tyres recently.
Whats the white stuff they paint around the bead of car tyres?
You could chop a bit off and carry it around with you in a wee bag.
Ha, genius. That's probably the winner, wanted something I could use trailside if needs be, didn't want to be carrying about cans of spray etc.
Seem to recall someone mentioned beeswax or furniture polish perhaps...
I use that Schwalbe Easy Fit stuff. It works. 1 can lasts for ages (still on my first, had it for numerous tyre changes). Recommended. I never got the right consistency with any other botch 🙂
Does it leave the bead slippy afterwards though? I'm thinking (worst case) fixing a puncture in the middle of a five day tour with only a mini-pump at my disposal. That's why the sliver of soap solution might be simplest and best.
Edit: found the link
https://ridinggravel.com/forum/?p=post%2Fseating-stubborn-tires-8720130
No, it sticks it as far as I can tell. I don’t get punctures where I have to take the tyre off. Not for about um, 6 years probly
I brought a little jar with me to the car tyre place when I got my last set of car tyres replaced, and he put a scoop of the car bead stuff in it for me. Works.
I carry sachets of hotel shampoo / dishwashing liquid in my toolkit on my motorbike for just this purpose... though i've never needed them.
Surely the bead will stretch a bit after being fitted for a while?
I use a bit of soapy water, is all.
I’m thinking (worst case) fixing a puncture in the middle of a five day tour with only a mini-pump at my disposal.
If you can’t fix it with a minipump and a Dynaplug (which doesn’t need the tyre off the rim) then it’s going to be a fairly major operation.
You’ll need those mushrooms and the really aggressive tyre glue, to be able to degrease and slightly rough the tyre, to remove all thorns, an inner tube, some grease proof paper and 24 hours to let everything cure.
So:
Tyre mushrooms
Vulcanising glue or whatever it is
Pilers
Sand paper
Grease proof paper
Time
Done right it will last for years.
Anything more minor a Dynaplug will sort you out.
a bit of soapy water
This
Surely the bead will stretch a bit after being fitted for a while?
No, apparently not, they had sat inflated on my other bike for quite a while, I had assumed it was because I had 'taped' those rims poorly with insulating tape, but the new rims have two layers of proper tubeless tape and the bead still seems to sit too low in spots. I can also fit and remove the tyres by hand (just, with careful technique) so I don't think they're too tight in that respect.
I want to try lubricating the bead as it just seems there is too much friction between the bead and the rim. Will try soapy water first but had hoped for something that would leave the bead slippy afterwards, hence a wax or a polish or something. Time for some experimenting! (or just buy Vittorias instead...).
If you can’t fix it with a minipump and a Dynaplug (which doesn’t need the tyre off the rim) then it’s going to be a fairly major operation.
I'm running tubes, have decided 'better the devil you know' in that I know I can fix virtually anything that can go wrong with a tubed setup. Just not sure I'd want to have to deal with a major tubeless repair in the middle of nowhere on day 3 of a 5 day tour etc. (having experienced pretty much all of the various ways a tubeless setup can fail...). Means running higher pressures and probably the occasional thorn or glass puncture, but I can live with that.
‘better the devil you know’
Yeah, I suppose knowing you'll get punctures and knowing you can fix them, is better than not getting any punctures. 😉
Ahh.
I’ve had problems getting tyres with tubes to fully seat on tubeless rims.
The same tyres and rims were fine tubeless.
Not always. Just occasional pairings.
I want to try lubricating the bead as it just seems there is too much friction between the bead and the rim
I used to use soapy water (more watery soap really) but now I use a bit of tubeless jizz. I like to think it might hold the bead on once fitted, too. Haven't actually had to get one off since then though so may be a nightmare though I doubt it.