Tyre removal

[dr_gn]

All, I recently got an eMTB. Done about 70 miles and all’s well, but I heard about difficulties removing tyres in the event of a puncture. Consensus is to switch to tubeless and sealant, which is fine, but at the moment I’d rather wear out this set of tyres rather than spend yet more money.

I did a test run this evening removing a tyre in the comfort of the garage.

1) breaking the bead was sketchy, did it in the end by rolling the tyre and pushing with my thumbs away from the rim and also using tyre levers.

3) getting one edge of the tyre off the rim was very difficult - keeping the beads in the centre rim groove to give more free play was tricky, but managed it in the end.

4) Getting the tyre bead back over the rim was the worst part, and I almost gave up. In the end I kneeled on the tyre either side of the last bit to pop, and gradually levered it into place.

So I was wondering - apart from tyre levers - are there any tools that make the job easier? I was thinking a very small can of WD40 might make the whole job much easier if applied to the beads and rim.

I doubt I could do it at all with frozen fingers, in which case I could be screwed if out on a remote ride. I’ve not been for a ride on my own yet because of doubts about tyre removal, which by tonight’s test seem entirely justified.

Thanks.

[Dracoro]

Google tyre removal tools.

Tyre glider one option
As it the "pliers" style ones.

Can't vouch for if any are good as I use normal tyre levers on all my bikes without issue (2 are tubeless)

There's a few videos on YT (e.g. GCN etc.) about techniques to remove/attach tyres, may help...

Some rims/tyre combo's are easier/harder than others...

[mikecassie]

Don't use WD-40. Certain rubbers and oils don't mix well and it could damage the tyre, you could spend a while cleaning it fastidiously to ensure no remnant of WD-40 appear to be left. I know from walking on floors which have oil on them that trainers don't like it and become slippy AF after this but work boots don't because they have oil resistant rubber soles.
To make the tyre move easier onto the bead use some soapy water, washing up liquid in a squirty bottle with water is what I use.
Popping the tyre on can be a hassle, if you can't manage there are tools available which help. See link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/FAUOSWUK-Clipping-Inserti...
but as to how good the tool is I'm unsure.
I've used a big set of pliers to unseat beads on my gravel bike tyres which seemed harder to unseat as I'd sealant which seemed to act like a glue. Might have been my imagination though.
As mentioned in the other reply, look at YT videos and try a few more times in the comfort of the garage. The first time will be the hardest and you'll quickly learn a method that works easier for you.

[Liamjrhodes]

I have found the ease of removal and installation is entirely dependent upon the tyre and rim. Some literally fall on others feel like they are going to rip before they eventually pop over the rim its a lottery!

[Bill]

dr_gn said:

All, I recently got an eMTB. Done about 70 miles and all s well, but I heard about difficulties removing tyres in the event of a puncture. Consensus is to switch to tubeless and sealant, which is fine, but at the moment I d rather wear out this set of tyres rather than spend yet more money.

Just use the same tyres, no?

[river_rat]

Why do you need to wear out the existing tyres before switching to tubeless - most tyres will be tubeless ready so you can switch straight away?

Although there is still a possibility you will need to get the tyre off to put in an emergency tube

[numtumfutunch]

I bought a TyreGlider after struggling with a notoriously tight road tyre and it makes a huge difference
On every other bike/tyre combo I use fingers +/- a tyre lever, these are awful and the TG is a revelation

As far as going tubeless its 'probable' that your current tyres are already compatible
Find an owners group on Facebook, or the shop you got it from, and work out if you need rim tape too.
You will almost certainly need a tubeless specific pair of valves

Id recommend getting a mate to help you the first time you try the conversion

Also if you're paranoid, and can stomach extra weight being on a eMTB, you can buy foam inners that make the tyres run flats in a doomsday scenario
Im out of the MTB loop so dont know much about them

Good luck!

[dr_gn]

Thanks all.

I assumed that different tyres would be needed, but seems not.

Since both the rims and tyres are tubeless ready. Why don’t they fit tubeless from the factory I wonder?

[numtumfutunch]

dr_gn said:

Thanks all.

I assumed that different tyres would be needed, but seems not.

Since both the rims and tyres are tubeless ready. Why don t they fit tubeless from the factory I wonder?

Good question. I can only imagine its because there are still non believers out there. For road its equivocal, although Im definitely a fan, however for a heavy eMTB its a no brainer.

Id double check your rims, some manufacturers need a rim strip - what are they?

Cheers

[Liamjrhodes]

dr_gn said:

Thanks all.

I assumed that different tyres would be needed, but seems not.

Since both the rims and tyres are tubeless ready. Why don t they fit tubeless from the factory I wonder?

Tubes are cheap

[Bill]

+ undoing tubeless is a faff, and I suspect if a bike sits for long enough the gunk could go off in a lump.