installing new tires

[Trail Boss]

For the first time I put 2 new tires on this weekend using just the tools I carry in my fanny pack.
This was a skill I definitely want to have so I don’t have to ask someone else to do it for me when I’m at some ride in the middle of the woods. It was not so bad, it just took more time than I had expected.

I used 2 moose short tire irons
Vise grips
Milk crate to put the tire on

Things I learned
1. A third hand would help
2. I’m going to invest in a bead buddy

Can anyone answer a few questions:

1. What purpose does the nut that goes at the base of the valve stem serve?
Does it help keep the valve stem from being pulled off of the tube?

2. What about setting the bead? Do you need to over-inflate the tire to set it? Or, as I expect, do you just inflate to the desired air pressure and hit the dirt?

 

[WoodsRider]

Originally posted by Trail Boss
1. What purpose does the nut that goes at the base of the valve stem serve?
Does it help keep the valve stem from being pulled off of the tube?

2. What about setting the bead? Do you need to over-inflate the tire to set it? Or, as I expect, do you just inflate to the desired air pressure and hit the dirt?

1. Do not tighten this nut down against the rim. If the tire starts to spin it won't allow the tube to slip and pull the stem out of the tube. Tighten the nut against the valve cap, or remove it all together.

2. Always seat the bead before riding. It helps to use dish soap on the bead and rim to aid in seating.

The only tools I use are two short Motion-Pro tire irons. Although sometimes it would be nice to have one long one in addition, I've never been outsmarted by a tire yet. I did use one of those bead buddy things once and I really didn't think it did anything. I change tires 5 or 6 times a year.

 

[Trail Boss]

Thanks Woodsrider

I understand about not tightening the nut on the valve stem on the outside of the rim, but what about the nut on the inside of the rim, against the tube? What purpose does it serve?

 

[WoodsRider]

When installing a tire, after I get one bead on I'll snake the stem through the hole and install the nut to keep it from backing out. What it's actual purpose is, I don't know. :think:

 

[Senior KX Rider]

I use dish-soap around the bead and it normally seats with about 25-30 pounds of air