Conti Gator Hardshell- WTH is my problem w/ changing them!

Triathlon Forum
1

I use the jackmott approach- put my fastest/less durable tires on for races and then swap back out afterwards for general training. I train and race with Zipp 808 (clincher with aluminum brake track) with a powertap so my race wheels are my training wheels. My go to training tire is the Conti Gator Hardshell with the kevlar bead. That thing is stupid durable. It sees probably 80% trainer, 20% road and I have yet to wear that thing down many many miles.

My issues comes in when removing and installing the Gator Hardshell tire. It makes me want to kick puppies. I’ve yet to change it without drawing blood from myself. Changing other tires…no biggie, but this thing is the most ridiculous to get on and off.

What am I missing? What is the trick? I really like having a super-slow and durable training tire but if I can’t figure this thing out, I may end up putting a perfectly great tire in the trash because it’s just too much trouble. Should I swap to the folding model of the same tire? Would that make my life easier?

2

They are indeed a tough tire, not much give. But if you’re using a tire wrench properly all it takes a bit of muscle.

3

Buy a Kool Stop tire bead jack. You can get them on Amazon. Makes it much easier

4

Well, I’m assuming you are having problems getting them on.

Two things. First, wear full finger leather gloves, cowboy gloves. The leather gives you way more grip and protection.

Second, when taking off, make sure the tube is fully delayed and work the tire bead into the middle on the rim where it is at it’s smallest.

Experiment with rolling the tire on with the palms of your hand in reverse fashion and then with your thumbs.

If all fails I’ve heard that rock climbers need really stong thumbs so you may want to either take that up for cross training :).

5

Put the tires in the dryer for a few minutes.

6

yes…change to the folding model. a wire bead is satan attached to rubber.

7

When you have it 75% on the wheel, get a sponge and soak the last bit in warm water. Works for me

8

+1 on the Kool Stop tire bead jack. dont even think about it. you will have the last bit of tire hanging off the rim inside the rim in less than 30 secs. i dont go riding without the tool because i get a ton of flats.

9

X100 on the Koolstop Bead Jack. Had the same issue with Hardshells, actually peeled the skin off of my right thumb trying to get these isanely tight tires on!!! With the bead jack it’s so easy and only about $15 on Amazon, wish I had one for years rather than struggling with tight tires.

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I don’t think the folding bead makes a lick of difference. I have one of each on my road bike (Mavic Aksium wheels) and they were both equally tough – except I paid more for folding.

FWIW, all continentals have been harder for me to mount than other brands. I broke a tire lever on the MTB. But damned if they aren’t good tires. I just tough it out.

11

Replace your wheel with Zipp carbon clinchers - tires go on like butter.

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12

Looks like the consensus is buy the tool that makes my life easier. A tool which I never knew existed until today. I don’t have much to lose with a $13 tool though!

I think putting tires in the dryer or buying another set of wheels would make me a single man again. While there are times, I don’t think that’s the road I need to travel.

Thanks all.

1 Like
13

Put it in a pillow case, then put that in the dryer :wink:

(this does work, really it does.)

M
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