Conti GP5000 Mounting frustration
Discussion
I've never been defeated mounting tyres onto rims but yesterday after around 90 mins, with numerous pauses in-between to allow my fingers to recover and the rage to subside, I finally succumbed. This is as far as it would go and I had literally tried every trick in the book. Even if I had managed to somehow squeeze them on there would be no way I could fix a puncture. The only other time I have struggled prior to this is getting WTB tyres onto Stans rims.
After a bit of post purchase research it would appear that mounting issues are not uncommon with these tyres.
After a bit of post purchase research it would appear that mounting issues are not uncommon with these tyres.
It's becoming a problem with more and more wheel/tyre combinations, particularly tubeless.
You need a tyre fitting tool that looks like a large pair of plastic scissors or tongs, that allows you to pull that part of the bead upwards and backwards, over the rim.
Getting them off in the event of a deflation is another story.
I am planning to cut mine off with a knife when I next need to change.
You need a tyre fitting tool that looks like a large pair of plastic scissors or tongs, that allows you to pull that part of the bead upwards and backwards, over the rim.
Getting them off in the event of a deflation is another story.
I am planning to cut mine off with a knife when I next need to change.
GP5000TL are an utter nightmare to fit on my TCR but I keep doing it for some perverse reason (they do roll nicely..)
The way I've found to do it requires either:
1. 2 people
2. Balance
You get the first bead on as normal, and then work your way around the other side fitting the bead onto the rim. When it starts to get really tight you use a lever to stop the tyre popping out of one side and two levers to work in the other side. This is where you either wedge yourself so you can hold the lever in place with an object like a table or have someone else holding one lever.
I do have a pair of tyre lever scissors but yet to try them
The way I've found to do it requires either:
1. 2 people
2. Balance
You get the first bead on as normal, and then work your way around the other side fitting the bead onto the rim. When it starts to get really tight you use a lever to stop the tyre popping out of one side and two levers to work in the other side. This is where you either wedge yourself so you can hold the lever in place with an object like a table or have someone else holding one lever.
I do have a pair of tyre lever scissors but yet to try them
I have a pair of Bora WTO's with GP5000's on, and I didn't have an issues getting them on, however they are just the regular GP5000 with tubes. I had a pair of Mavic wheels before and getting GP5000's on them was an impossible task, it's part of the reason I sold them and went with campag wheels.
One thing I did find helpful with tough tyres is a Crank Bro's speedier lever, it's kind of shaped like a knuckle duster but helps get a better grip on the tyre lever and helped me with the aforementioned mavic / gp5000 combo.
One thing I did find helpful with tough tyres is a Crank Bro's speedier lever, it's kind of shaped like a knuckle duster but helps get a better grip on the tyre lever and helped me with the aforementioned mavic / gp5000 combo.
JayRidesBikes said:
I have a pair of Bora WTO's with GP5000's on, and I didn't have an issues getting them on, however they are just the regular GP5000 with tubes. I had a pair of Mavic wheels before and getting GP5000's on them was an impossible task, it's part of the reason I sold them and went with campag wheels.
One thing I did find helpful with tough tyres is a Crank Bro's speedier lever, it's kind of shaped like a knuckle duster but helps get a better grip on the tyre lever and helped me with the aforementioned mavic / gp5000 combo.
These are just the regular GP5000s with tubes. There was absolutely no way they were going on. Are your rims UST? One thing I did find helpful with tough tyres is a Crank Bro's speedier lever, it's kind of shaped like a knuckle duster but helps get a better grip on the tyre lever and helped me with the aforementioned mavic / gp5000 combo.
moonigan said:
These are just the regular GP5000s with tubes. There was absolutely no way they were going on. Are your rims UST?
The Mavic's were Cosmic UST wheels and a right nightmare. The Campags I'm currently running with GP5000's are these - https://www.campagnolo.com/WW/en/Wheels/bora_wto_6...I didn't need tyre levers to get the GP5000's on the Campags.
JayRidesBikes said:
The Mavic's were Cosmic UST wheels and a right nightmare. The Campags I'm currently running with GP5000's are these - https://www.campagnolo.com/WW/en/Wheels/bora_wto_6...
I didn't need tyre levers to get the GP5000's on the Campags.
Ha, Unbelievable. Exactly the same wheels. I've just got the old GP5000 (3 years) out of the bin that I'd removed from my alloy rims and it mounted on the Bora in seconds no hassle.I didn't need tyre levers to get the GP5000's on the Campags.
TheDrownedApe said:
I've just fitted a pair on my Cube RA 1.9 Aero without any issue. However they were not tanned and i believe it is these that are the issue
It could be this. I can't believe there is that much stretch in the tyre to go from impossible to mount to the easiest tyre in the world to mount.
I fitted 2 sets of 25mm GP5000's both normal coloured tyres not tanwall and both times the front tyres were utter Boris Johnsons to fit. The rear tyres fitted a whole lot easier, by easier, still needed tyre levers but at no point did I think it wasn't going to go on. Not sure why this would be so. I have fitted WTB Byway tyres to 650B and 700c rims and they were a piece of piss to do, same for Hutchinson 25mm tyres, I didn't need more than a wee bit of effort to fit them onto Hunt rims.
Campag / Conti can be a nightmare to fit. I stopped using Conti’s in 2008 after a 2 hour / 3 tube battle in Majorca, but that was with the old 20mm tyres 
I know there’s nothing worse than a pair of aching hands after a proper grappling session with tyre and wheel - you’ve got my sympathies!
Although running tubeless myself now, the tight tyre issue seems to have returned due to tighter tolerances (I know you’re on tubes, but the result is the same) and what I find works for me is: -
Start mounting from the valve hole and mount at least 3 inches of tyre onto the rim either side of the valve hole.
As you work your way round the remainder, try to make sure the tube / tyre is pushed central in the rim bed as most rims tend to be concave / u shaped and this gives you some extra “tyre” or wiggle room.
Hopefully first fit won’t take more than a bit more than normal work with tyre levers to get on and after use should be a bit easier as the tyre will stretch a bit once inflated.
I’ve not tried any of the tyre mounting tools suggested, but maybe worth having a go with them for the first time mounting / will bear in mind myself for future next time I have to change mine.
Failing that, just throw it over the nearest hedge / fence for satisfaction it hasn’t beaten you
I know there’s nothing worse than a pair of aching hands after a proper grappling session with tyre and wheel - you’ve got my sympathies!
Although running tubeless myself now, the tight tyre issue seems to have returned due to tighter tolerances (I know you’re on tubes, but the result is the same) and what I find works for me is: -
Start mounting from the valve hole and mount at least 3 inches of tyre onto the rim either side of the valve hole.
As you work your way round the remainder, try to make sure the tube / tyre is pushed central in the rim bed as most rims tend to be concave / u shaped and this gives you some extra “tyre” or wiggle room.
Hopefully first fit won’t take more than a bit more than normal work with tyre levers to get on and after use should be a bit easier as the tyre will stretch a bit once inflated.
I’ve not tried any of the tyre mounting tools suggested, but maybe worth having a go with them for the first time mounting / will bear in mind myself for future next time I have to change mine.
Failing that, just throw it over the nearest hedge / fence for satisfaction it hasn’t beaten you
Edited by lastofthev8s on Friday 11th March 14:45
Edited by lastofthev8s on Friday 11th March 14:46
Edited by lastofthev8s on Friday 11th March 14:47
Edited by lastofthev8s on Friday 11th March 14:47
moonigan said:
I've never been defeated mounting tyres onto rims but yesterday after around 90 mins, with numerous pauses in-between to allow my fingers to recover and the rage to subside, I finally succumbed. This is as far as it would go and I had literally tried every trick in the book. Even if I had managed to somehow squeeze them on there would be no way I could fix a puncture. The only other time I have struggled prior to this is getting WTB tyres onto Stans rims.
After a bit of post purchase research it would appear that mounting issues are not uncommon with these tyres.
When you say EVERY trick in the book...did you use the one where you pinch the beads together and make sure they're in the very shallowest part of the rim all the way around before attempting the final section? Looking at your photo that is an awful lot of tyre left hanging over if you were using this method so it's no surprise it won't go on.After a bit of post purchase research it would appear that mounting issues are not uncommon with these tyres.
I only ask as that was the issue I had when I had to repair my very first puncture on a 5000-shod bike and once I remembered that little nugget it took me all of about two minutes to get the tyre fully back on. My teeny emergency pump not being man enough to get them to seat properly was another matter!
Just like in this clip:
Edited by Centurion07 on Friday 11th March 19:24
It's good to know the non TL versions are just as easy to get on as the GP5000 TL's on my UST rims were. 
To get the TL's on Mavic UST rims in less then 5 minutes:
Put the tyre in the oven for no more then 5 minutes on a low temperature (gas mark 1). Put a bit of lubricant around the the rim.
Working quickly while tyre is hot
Put one side of the tyre into the centre channel all the way round, starting opposite from the valve
By hand put the other side into the centre of the rim until you get about 1/3 left
Using levers get the next bit in, working a bit each side by levering them over the edge of the rim, favouring one side.
At about 1/4 you'll have about 2" of tyre to still get over the centre and it will be super tight. It looks impossible.
At all times hold the tyre lever in on the side closest to the valve core, do not let this release
Now use the tyre bead seating tool to lift the lip of the tyre one inch away from the tyre lever and while the strongest friend you have pushes the tyre lever towards the valve core with all their strength.
Once on air leaked around the valve stopping inflation so just needed to press the tyre down by hand above the valve.
To get the TL's on Mavic UST rims in less then 5 minutes:
Put the tyre in the oven for no more then 5 minutes on a low temperature (gas mark 1). Put a bit of lubricant around the the rim.
Working quickly while tyre is hot
Put one side of the tyre into the centre channel all the way round, starting opposite from the valve
By hand put the other side into the centre of the rim until you get about 1/3 left
Using levers get the next bit in, working a bit each side by levering them over the edge of the rim, favouring one side.
At about 1/4 you'll have about 2" of tyre to still get over the centre and it will be super tight. It looks impossible.
At all times hold the tyre lever in on the side closest to the valve core, do not let this release
Now use the tyre bead seating tool to lift the lip of the tyre one inch away from the tyre lever and while the strongest friend you have pushes the tyre lever towards the valve core with all their strength.
Once on air leaked around the valve stopping inflation so just needed to press the tyre down by hand above the valve.
I'm another that was tempted to go tubeless on my road bike but utterly defeated by a GP5000TL. I can't get it on a single rim of mine, or various friends ones I've tried even at home with tools, lube, help etc so there's no way I could put a tube in if needed when out. I can fit normal GP5000's with just my hands.
Wish me luck, as I’d ordered a pair of 5000s to replace my 4000s only last week and I was going to try and put them on tomorrow evening.
With that said, I get the sense that those struggling are
- using tubeless and/r
- putting them on carbon and/or high profile aero wheels.
Neither apply to me and so hopefully will be ok (and they’re not tan either if that’s the problem). Will report back.
With that said, I get the sense that those struggling are
- using tubeless and/r
- putting them on carbon and/or high profile aero wheels.
Neither apply to me and so hopefully will be ok (and they’re not tan either if that’s the problem). Will report back.
Rob. said:
S17Thumper said:
This!I had a similar amount of bead hanging out with my Schwalbe One TLE. Warmed them up, used lubricant etc. Snapped a couple of levers. Then read about the above, ordered them, and seated the bead within a few minutes.
k your rim like levers could do!Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff