Editor’s Note: Today’s QT is from RBR Review Crew member Brandon Bilyeu in response to a reader question about mounting tires on the Neugent Cycling A310CW Alloy Wheelset Brandon reviewed recently. Here’s what he says:
As I mention in the review, those wheels are tubeless-compatible and have a high shoulder that will make it difficult to mount tires compared to standard rims, but there are some tricks that will help.
First let me say that using tire levers to install tiresis not good. Save the levers for tire removal only. You risk pinching the tube (as you seem to have found out) and also could damage or break the tire bead.
If you are using brand new GP4s it might help to mount them on a different rim and ride them for a few days to stretch out the bead a bit. Or test install the tires on a rim you are familiar with to make sure it’s not tight tires that are also contributing to the problem. One other tip is to let the tires set out in the sun for a while before mounting them. This tends to “loosen” them up a bit.
Back to the rims, the smallest diameter of the rims is the small channel in the center and this is where you need to get the tire beads during the final few inches of installation (also be sure there is no air in the tube).
To do this, once you reach the final few inches and it becomes tough to get the bead over the rim lip, go around the tire and pinch the side walls together to push the bead into the center of the rim. After that you can then grab the tire portion that is not installed yet and lift the wheel and shake it to help seat the beads in the small channel and get all the slack at the last few inches where you need it.
This process worked for me with the new wheels and new GP4s (never installed on another rim). And as I said in my review, the first time getting them on was quite difficult. And I was worried about getting a flat out on the road, but when it did happen the tire was much easier to remount (using the above method and the bead now stretched a tiny bit), about par with other wheels.
I hope this helps and I would love to hear how you like the wheels once you get them out on the road!
If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.
—John Marsh & The RBR Team
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