Stan I ********** hate you!

[rhinochopig]

Aghhhhhhh Stan's no tubes. Just spent my entire lunch hour unsuccessfully trying to fit this damn product.

I decided to swap back to some nice new fast rolling xc tyres as the rides with my mates have started getting competitive and thought that I'd give Stan's a go again so I could run a lower pressure for a bit more grip and comfort. I fitted them to my MTB tandem a couple of years ago and the rear went on a dream and the front - a big DH tyre - just wouldn't seat. I figured it was probably a one off as they get some great reviews.

So does anyone have any magical fitting tips as I'm at the point of taking the bike to my LBS, which would be admitting defeat.

Edited by rhinochopig on Wednesday 29th February 14:46

[kieranbennett]

Are you using using it on Normal, Tubless ready, or tubeless tyres?

I gave up with trying to get normal tyres to seat, but now use Tubeless ready which have the right bead but not the tyre liner. and havent looked back since.

[Gooby]

Carefully go round the tyre and try to get it as close to the bead as possible then use a co2 inflator to blow/ pop it on to the bead. You will find it really difficult with a track pump and damn near impossible with a little tool kit pump.

[rhinochopig]

Normal tyres using a track pump. Last time I managed with the track pump though.

C02 is a good idea. That said, a co2 inflater would probably cost as much as the LBS fitting them.

Keep the tips coming.

Edited by rhinochopig on Wednesday 29th February 14:41

[Rocksteadyeddie]

I got this tip for seating a car tyre so may work.

Hold the wheel horizontally against your body whilst pulling the opposing edge of the tyre towards you using a belt, or bit of webbing. The reduction in volume helps get enough air in to get the tyre to seat properly.

[Gooby]

Having done this a few times, I don't rate your chances of success with a track pump. Take it to the LBS or a compressor or CO2.

I have managed with a track pump. Work the tyre as close to the beed as possible. Start inflating and find where the air is leaking from. Put this area on the ground, the weight of the wheel will force the bead, try again and repeat till it holds air. Not easy and rarely successful.

Just use the CO2. You will have to carry some incase you get a trail side puncture....

[snotrag]

Yup, C02 gun is a good way to go if its problematic.
Dont buy one from a bike shop, there outrageous.Tyreinflators.co.uk (or something along those lines) is very cheap. Worth taking along aswell/instead of a pump once your running tubeless.

There are workarounds though -

It depends on the tyre/rim combo. I've used loads and now I sweay by Specialized 2bliss tyres - they inflate and seal the easiest of any regular/ust/tubeless ready product i've used, and are excellently priced, and are decent tyres regardless.

If a new tyre - fit tyre and inflate with a tube - leave overnight.

This stretches the tyres and helps iron out the kinks you can get on a folding bead from it being folded up in the packaging.

Also, use soapy water to try get a seal, paint it on with a brush just like a tyre fitter does on your car.

Alternatively - take the valve core out. This means you can get air in quicker. it wont stay up when you remove the pump, but it will let you 'seat' the bead. leave it with pump connected and loads of pressure in for a while till the bead sticks to the rim. Hold the wheel off the ground, let air out, refit the valve and then pump up again.

Make sure the tyre is not on the floor at the bottom - hang the wheel by the rim.

Have the valve at the top, and use one hand to push the bead down onto the rim.

In my experience - I can (and regularly do) inflate and seal 2bliss tyres onto ZTR rims with zero fuss, using a trackpump. 3 or 4 quick pumps and it seats straightaway - no hassle.

Garage forecour tyre inflator might do it too but remember to take a little brass presta/schreader adaptor, and not all of them are as good/fast.

[rhinochopig]

Thanks chaps. Some good tips. Tyres on now with tubes. Will try again at the weekend.

[BOR]

I have another set to do and won't even attempt it with a track pump. I just take the stuff to a petrol station and use the air line there.