In praise of the common zip tie …

[Kritou]

Zip tying a tyre together to help the install seems a neat idea and got me wondering if the concept could be further refined. I put a dozen or so ties close together, as in the picture, so that they provide a smooth contiguous surface that could help the beads slide over the wheel rim. If the zipped up tyre is first pushed into wheel well could this allow the weight of one’s knees and hands to force the final bit over the rim of our little bikes without using levers etc?

I don’t have reason to change a tyre out for a while but if anyone else has to they might be interested in trying it out?

I use the 12inch reusable ties

 

[SneakyDingo]

A leverless install is an interesting idea. I think I'm getting close to a new front tire, if no one else tries it before then I'll give it a shot. That being said, I know that the generalized concept of what you're suggesting is what happens when I use my Motion Pro beadlock or my G-clamp to hold the beads together, and I still need to use levers. It's much, much easier though, especially if combined with all the other tricks like leaving the tire in the sun, etc.

 

[Kritou]

Wow, sun - we don’t see much of that in these sceptered isles! However I have heard that putting your rubber in a black plastic rubbish bag will reduce and provide enhanced stretchability, performance and tactability

 

[dmonkey]

I like the idea, curious to hear if it works. I think it may vary by tire. I found the Shinko SR241 to practically be able to be pushed on by hand when warm, while the stock tires gave a harder time.
I have also found it can be harder to take each small "bite" with the spoons while using the zip tie method because you're pulling BOTH beads over together. You're working with more material so it is stiffer. For my most recent tire mounting I tested to see if I could get them on with just my 2 Motion Pro Enduro tire irons since those are what I have in my travel tool kit, it was a success.

Some of the vintage motorcycle and car folks use a garbage bag to mount tires by hand. I think this might be similar to the idea you're looking to accomplish by having multiple zip ties close together, giving the tire a smooth surface to slide on:

(note that this is a clincher rim and tire, not drop center like our CT125 and other modern motorcycles use)

 

[SneakyDingo]

I'll be installing a SR241 and a SR244 tire next, so like... we'll be throwing the kitchen sink at this to see if it works. Pulling it off would be pretty awesome.

 

[Kritou]

I like the idea, curious to hear if it works. I think it may vary by tire. I found the Shinko SR241 to practically be able to be pushed on by hand when warm, while the stock tires gave a harder time.
I have also found it can be harder to take each small "bite" with the spoons while using the zip tie method because you're pulling BOTH beads over together. You're working with more material so it is stiffer. For my most recent tire mounting I tested to see if I could get them on with just my 2 Motion Pro Enduro tire irons since those are what I have in my travel tool kit, it was a success.

Some of the vintage motorcycle and car folks use a garbage bag to mount tires by hand. I think this might be similar to the idea you're looking to accomplish by having multiple zip ties close together, giving the tire a smooth surface to slide on:

(note that this is a clincher rim and tire, not drop center like our CT125 and other modern motorcycles use)

That second video was especially instructive! If there is sunshine available putting the tyre in the garbage bag first should soften it up nicely. Perhaps doing the installation on the floor would allow you to stand on it for more pressure. In the past I have used a backpack witha small bag of sand in it to (temporarily!) increase my weight

Every day a school day - thanks