Thumb Help Required

[Snoop Doug]

Ooo err missus

I tend to average around 1 puncture every 18 months or so, blessed are the tyres that come from Pearsons. I've had two punctures this week. I hate changing tyres on a bike.

That last bit where you have to push the tyre on with yer thumbs just does me in . The sides of my thumbs get so sore I can only cope with one puncture in a day. Trouble is these two came along at once .

Any tips to either a) make this task a wee bit easier or b) build up my thumb muscleage

What a nerdy question!!! Still, it's Friday.

Snoop

[John the old'un]

If you have to use a tire lever to get the cover on, make sure you end up where the valve is. Ensure there is a little air in the tube to keep it in place, and then push the valve in as you use the tire lever. This will push the inner tube up out of the way. Never use the lock ring on the valve as it is superfluous, and would prevent you from doing this.
Good luck next time Snoop.

[Andrew G]

TUT TUT Sean! You should never use a lever to put a tyre back on, you can get inch flats that way, also can snap tyre levers and damage the tyre.

Snoop if it's a wired tyre then it'll always be hard work. I expect it's a folder, and the tyre will soften with age but that doesn't help now.

Take the tyre off the rim and stand on the bottom (inside of the tyre) and give a bit of a pull, rotate a bit and repeat, and keep going all the way round. Don't pull too hard but it can help give a little bit of play in the bead to help get them back on. Oh do it at home on soft ground (carpet) and not in shoes to make sure you don't damage or leave anything in the tyre. Do this when you first fit the tyre

Another trick is before you remove the tyre roll it back and forwards (over each side of the rim) all the way round. You should do this anyway to break the seal but it also helps soften the bead a bit and helps when it comes to refitting.

When you fit the tyre smear a bit of washing up liquid on your finger and rub it around the rim (now, now behave) of the tyre. This is best for home fitting and not much help on the road unless you happen to be on your way back from Sainsbury's.

Keep the rim and tyre clean. Always easier and nicer to refit a clean(ish) tyre on a clean rim.

Lastly, as I'm running out of breath, it'll depend on what wheel and tyre combo you have. With Campagnolo and Fulcrum medium profile wheels I have no problem with Continental tyres. Michelin pro2 race were practically impossible to fit on the Fulcrums. Something to do with the manufacture but the tyre only needs to be fractionally smaller in diameter to make fitting it a pig on medium profile rims as they are so much stiffer. Any tyre's a doddle on my Ambrosio rims as they're box section so have a bit of give.

[Marek]

Alternatively,

Hold your thumb out so it is parallell to the floor. Balance a few two pence pieces onto the thumb. Now, slowly bend your thumb down until you think the coins are going to fall off, then move the thumb back up again.

Once you have managed this a few hundred times, then move up to larger heavier coins. Also you can increase the load by adding more and more coins so that you will progressively increase your thumb strength.

Of course don't go too crazy as I would hate to hear that you have hurt yourself, also it is always recommended to go and check with a doctor prior to this type of exercise. He will be able to assess whether or not you are able to manage it.

Good luck with the exercises, am looking forward to hearing how you progress.

Cheers

Marek....

[Ian A4size]

[quote]inch flats

[Ian A4size]

[quote]Michelin pro2 race were practically impossible to fit on the Fulcrums.

[quote="Ian Munnery"][quote]inch flats

[Ian A4size]

Well saved sir!

[Snoop Doug]

Fantastic thumb exercise suggestions from Marek. As he says I will first check with my doctor before embarking on such a strenuous programme but I am very excited by this opportunity.

Just think, one day I may graduate to pound coins

Snoop

PS - I got the damned tyre on - had to put on a pair of gloves
PPS - still - better than tyre levers eh

[Ian A4size]

Cap'n- the only training that'll benefit thee is doubloons(sp?)

[Alex P]

Perhaps a set of these will resolve your problem, just need nimble fingers to tie up the laces to change a flat. Lousy cornering though...

[img]http://uk.geocities.com/alexprotasiuk/Whattyrechoice.jpg[/img]