TIGHT RIMS

[chriscolford]

I am currently using Campag Nucleon race wheels with Vittoria Open Pro Corsa CX tyres. I've also tried Michelin and Conti tyres with these wheels. I like the wheels and all three sets of tyres very much, but it is a real struggle getting the tyres on and off after a puncture. Can anyone suggest a combination of a good race wheel (clincher, suitable for Campag 9 speed) and race tyre, which is particularly easy to change after a puncture? Or do I just need new thumbs?

[JayneToyne]

ive found putting tyres on the first time is always agony on the thumbs, new tyres are always a real pain, but once they've been on a while, they get much easier to take on and off. I havent really noticed a difference in rim make and ease of popping a tyre on and off. the only difference over ever found is folding tyres are much easier to handle than the non folding.
get some good tyre levers and bobs your auntie. i only use michelin pro race on the road at they rarely puncture, easy to get on and off too now they are a few months old.

[ricadus]

I think it's the wheels rather than the tyres that are causing the 'problem' as I recently bought some Campag wheels to replace a non-Campag set and found the same thing with both the Vittoria & Continental tyres I have.

I remember Hutchinson Reflex Gold foldables were easier to get on and off my old wheels ? but they needed to be 'cause I was always getting punctures with them!

[chriscolford]

Thanks to both for the advice. I am now sorted with new wheels (Ksyriums) and tyres (Pro Race). It's pathetic, but it makes me so much happier being able to ride around without dreading a puncture.