Need hints for tire removal on tubeless-ready wheels

[NH-Senior-Gal]

I have a Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 e-bike with tubeless-ready wheels and tires. (RD 2.0 wheels and 32c WTB Exposure tires.) I have recently replaced the tires because they were showing wear. I was successful but had some frustrations unseating the bead from the wheel in order to remove the tire. What finally worked for me was laying the wheel flat, positioning my shoe on the tire next to the wheel while holding the wheel down with the other foot. Then I pushed down with my foot while simultaneously grabbing the wheel on either side of my foot and pulling up until I heard a pop when the bead unseated. I often had to move around the wheel to a different position until I was successful. Does anyone have a better method?

 

[Deacon Blues]

I had a heck of a time trying to un-seat the WTB tires on my Cannondale Lefty 3. I ended up (carefully) using my shop vice (with blocks of wood against the tire). Worked like a charm.

 

[Alaskan]

This is the tool for the job. It makes short and easy work of what can be a frustrating task. works brilliantly for both seating and unseating stubborn tires. Breaking the bead on a tire for removal can be especially frustrating. This tool gets it done in just a few seconds. Not cheap at $60usd but it does the job.

PTS-1 Tire Seater

Provides extra grip and leverage to easily seat stubborn tire beads.

www.parktool.com

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

I had a heck of a time trying to un-seat the WTB tires on my Cannondale Lefty 3. I ended up (carefully) using my shop vice (with blocks of wood against the tire). Worked like a charm.

Thanks for the reply, Deacon Blues! I guess I'm not the only one who thinks these tires are a bear to remove! I really am looking for a method that I can use to repair a flat when I am "out in the wild."

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

This is the tool for the job. It makes short and easy work of what can be a frustrating task. works brilliantly for both seating and unseating stubborn tires. Breaking the bead on a tire for removal can be especially frustrating. This tool gets it done in just a few seconds. Not cheap at $60usd but it does the job.

PTS-1 Tire Seater

Provides extra grip and leverage to easily seat stubborn tire beads.

www.parktool.com

View attachment 84998 View attachment 84999

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

Thanks, Alaskan! This looks like a tool for the home shop. I could have used it when I replaced my tires at home, but I don't think I would want to carry it on my bike. It's definitely a bit expensive, but all Park tools run a bit on the high side.

 

[Tars Tarkas]

Not sure why, but I've never had a problem breaking a bead. Lucky, I guess. So I don't know this for sure, but having once broken the bead, I'll bet it will be easier subsequently. Your method though is pretty standard and should work fine in the field.

Was the tire entirely flat and/or did you remove the valve core?

TT

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

Not sure why, but I've never had a problem breaking a bead. Lucky, I guess. So I don't know this for sure, but having once broken the bead, I'll bet it will be easier subsequently. Your method though is pretty standard and should work fine in the field.

Was the tire entirely flat and/or did you remove the valve core?

TT

Thanks for your reply, TT. The tire was completely flat, but that was not the issue. Are you talking about a tubeless-ready tire on a tubeless-ready rim or a regular tire on a "hooked rim"? Most people would not say that they never had a problem with tubeless-ready tires. Hmm...

 

[Tars Tarkas]

You make a very good point. My tires have always been tires with tubes. I get what you're saying about the different geometries of the rims though. You may be exactly right. I'd still bet that having broken the bead once it will be easier later times.

You said your wheels are tubeless-ready, not that they are tubeless. From what many people here say, if you go tubeless you'll never have a flat again, so breaking beads won't be a problem. (I jest.) And in your case you were replacing worn tires, which would be the exception anyway. If you haven't had the tires off the wheels since they were new, I'd guess time has more or less "welded" the tires to the rims. Maybe breaking the beads without removing the tires every 6 to 12 months whether they need it or not would help.

TT

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

You make a very good point. My tires have always been tires with tubes. I get what you're saying about the different geometries of the rims though. You may be exactly right. I'd still bet that having broken the bead once it will be easier later times.

You said your wheels are tubeless-ready, not that they are tubeless. From what many people here say, if you go tubeless you'll never have a flat again, so breaking beads won't be a problem. (I jest.) And in your case you were replacing worn tires, which would be the exception anyway. If you haven't had the tires off the wheels since they were new, I'd guess time has more or less "welded" the tires to the rims. Maybe breaking the beads without removing the tires every 6 to 12 months whether they need it or not would help.

TT

TT -- My tires have tubes because I don't want to deal with sealant. I do have tubeless-ready rims and tubeless-ready tires because the bike came with them and I didn't realize that it would be such a pain to fix a flat. As you say the geometry of the rim is different in that it has a bit of a "groove" to hold the bead. And the tubeless-ready tires have beads that do not stretch at all, unlike regular folding or clincher tires which have beads of different materials that do "stretch" a bit with use making it easier to take them off or remount them over time. I think I would like to use the tubeless feature if I lived in the Southwest or a place where there are a lot of thorns, but here in the Northeast, I don't get many flats. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my message.

 

[Luto]

I wonder if the pressure used in the tubeless makes the bead seal-weld itself to the rim. I run 40 psi and never have a problem. What PSI was the tire for those having problems? I run tubeless because when it wears thin, I get a self sealing flat on the first flat. Then I go home and change tires.

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

I wonder if the pressure used in the tubeless makes the bead seal-weld itself to the rim. I run 40 psi and never have a problem. What PSI was the tire for those having problems? I run tubeless because when it wears thin, I get a self sealing flat on the first flat. Then I go home and change tires.

Luto - Thanks for your reply. I am beginning to think that the difficulty has a lot to do with the particular tire and rim combination. I usually use 55 psi on road rides. I have 700c x 32c road tires and RD 2.0 rims. Perhaps those who have mountain bikes with larger tires have less of a problem. What tires and rims do you have?

 

[JRA]

"mountain bikes with larger tires have less of a problem"

This isn't necessarily the case unfortunately....In order to fully understand the whole tubeless interface thing it is helpful to know of its origins and what the state of the standard today is.

ETRTO Publishes 2020 Updates for Tubeless and Hookless - Slowtwitch News

We delve into the latest updates for rim and tire standards. This year brings several updates to modernize for road tubeless and more.

www.slowtwitch.com

Having run tubeless for a number of years now on tire sizes from 40c to 2.8 I have found that nonetheless, even with ERTO in effect, there have been some tires that release harder than others. With the standard it should be the case you would think. All I know is that it helps to have strong thumbs or use the stand on the bead method to pop them on the road/trail. But in some cases, especially with wider tires/rims, getting the tire reset on the bead is also an issue....

Rather than carry a tube along I carry some extra sealant, valve core remover and a way to plug a hole in the tire carcase itself, rather than a plug I use cyanoacralyte glue as a backup, and hope that works. Sure helps to have a puddle handy though....

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

"mountain bikes with larger tires have less of a problem"

This isn't necessarily the case unfortunately....In order to fully understand the whole tubeless interface thing it is helpful to know of its origins and what the state of the standard today is.

ETRTO Publishes 2020 Updates for Tubeless and Hookless - Slowtwitch News

We delve into the latest updates for rim and tire standards. This year brings several updates to modernize for road tubeless and more.

www.slowtwitch.com

Having run tubeless for a number of years now on tire sizes from 40c to 2.8 I have found that nonetheless, even with ERTO in effect, there have been some tires that release harder than others. With the standard it should be the case you would think. All I know is that it helps to have strong thumbs or use the stand on the bead method to pop them on the road/trail. But in some cases, especially with wider tires/rims, getting the tire reset on the bead is also an issue....

Rather than carry a tube along I carry some extra sealant, valve core remover and a way to plug a hole in the tire carcase itself, rather than a plug I use cyanoacralyte glue as a backup, and hope that works. Sure helps to have a puddle handy though....

JRA - Thanks for leading me into the details, I will peruse the site you included! I agree that getting the bead of the tire reseated into the groove in the rim can be an issue. I upgraded my frame pump so that I can achieve the pressures needed to reseat the bead. Sometimes I have to overinflate the tire a bit until I hear a few "pops" as the tire bead seats itself in the wheel, and the tire becomes round without depressions or lumps. I then reduce the pressure to the level I need. I was initially not ready for this challenge when I bought my bike, but I am gaining skills and knowledge with the help of the people on this forum. Thanks!

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

The feet on the rim to pop off the bead is the only thing that works for me & my 4.0 Jumbo Jims. Took awhile to understand this eventuality, though. I think it was on one of my numerous flattened tires back in 2018 that finally convinced me it's the only way to do it. Those JJ's snap closed with such force, it's scary to think of a finger in the way......

Don't kid yourself about tubeless tires never getting a flat. Ask me how I know, when a Jumbo Jim decided to blow apart on the road one day, a particular day where I forgot to bring a tube with me as the tire was beyond fixing with my plugging kit.

I've since left the world of tubeless and have gone with the Tannus Armour inserts with tubes......and a more watchful eye on the road ahead for debris.

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

The feet on the rim to pop off the bead is the only thing that works for me & my 4.0 Jumbo Jims. Took awhile to understand this eventuality, though. I think it was on one of my numerous flattened tires back in 2018 that finally convinced me it's the only way to do it. Those JJ's snap closed with such force, it's scary to think of a finger in the way......

Don't kid yourself about tubeless tires never getting a flat. Ask me how I know, when a Jumbo Jim decided to blow apart on the road one day, a particular day where I forgot to bring a tube with me as the tire was beyond fixing with my plugging kit.

I've since left the world of tubeless and have gone with the Tannus Armour inserts with tubes......and a more watchful eye on the road ahead for debris.

Thanks for your reply TowpathTraveler! Your comment made me smile... though I understand that unfortunate happenings in the wild are not very amusing at the time. I find it rather fascinating that we all have to figure this out by ourselves. Is there no one to warn the unwary of potential problems? Actually... many potential problems become reality if you ride enough! I suppose many cyclists assume that they are only a phone call away from a kind person who will come rescue them. I think the bike shop owners also expect people to come in to have them fix simple bike problems. I guess I would prefer to be able to fix my own flat tire and continue my ride rather than be dependent on cell service and a kind friend.

 

[m@Robertson]

Using your feet... I guess I'm not the only one who ran out of hands and made this his secret weapon, then. I take my shoes off for added grip sometimes.

Add to the problem combos the Surly My Other Brother Darryl rims and just about any fat tire you want to put on it. My LBS has actually broken the bead on two Apache Fattyslicks trying to fit them on... I don't have the strength in older hands and turned it over to pros. They said its the most difficult rim they have ever worked with and I agree. I found it close to impossible to break the bead in a comfy shop and figured if I had a roadside flat I was screwed... and I wanted a better wheelset anyway. Built a set with deep dish rims with a deep channel in the middle.

This reality of modern rims is actually a good incentive to use a really serious tubeless sealant so it takes a destroyed tire to have to mess with this problem. I'm using some stuff that is good for a 1/2" hole. Stans and Orange Seal are nice for goatheads and similar pinhole stuff but roofing nails and steel shards are in a different league.

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

Using your feet... I guess I'm not the only one who ran out of hands and made this his secret weapon, then. I take my shoes off for added grip sometimes.

Add to the problem combos the Surly My Other Brother Darryl rims and just about any fat tire you want to put on it. My LBS has actually broken the bead on two Apache Fattyslicks trying to fit them on... I don't have the strength in older hands and turned it over to pros. They said its the most difficult rim they have ever worked with and I agree. I found it close to impossible to break the bead in a comfy shop and figured if I had a roadside flat I was screwed... and I wanted a better wheelset anyway. Built a set with deep dish rims with a deep channel in the middle.

This reality of modern rims is actually a good incentive to use a really serious tubeless sealant so it takes a destroyed tire to have to mess with this problem. I'm using some stuff that is good for a 1/2" hole. Stans and Orange Seal are nice for goatheads and similar pinhole stuff but roofing nails and steel shards are in a different league.

You have a great comment, m@Robertson! I'm envisioning you out in the wilds with your shoes off struggling with your tire. Do you have prehensile feet? I might have to practice picking up marbles with my toes to strengthen them. Those My Other Brother Darryl rims sound like killers.. when experienced LBS mechanics start breaking the beads on tires is when you start to suspect that something might be wrong with the tire/rim combo! I'm glad you found a solution that works for you, and I'm impressed that you found some sealant to patch a 1/2 inch hole. It's too bad you and your sealant weren't around when the Titanic sunk. Thanks for the tips; this is turning out to be a fun discussion!

 

[m@Robertson]

I'm envisioning you out in the wilds with your shoes off struggling with your tire. Do you have prehensile feet?

So far the monkey feet have only been used indoors

Here's the sealant I am using and the story. Should link straight to the subsection on the sealant so you don't have to scroll down.

The manufacturer has tested it on ebikes but they don't advertise this (I called them up and spoke with the product manager for this formula). I sounded them out on using it as a tubeless sealant and they hadn't tried it but "yeah sure it should work". And it turns out it did, better than I ever expected. Since it never dries thats another plus over the Stans and Orange Seal Endurance I use in other bikes.

Big Fat Dummy: Leftovers

We hit the high points of the Surly Big Fat Dummy build. Lets wrap it up with a discussion of some odds and ends

talesontwowheels.com

Since then, the sealant dried (dry not weepy) over the multiple nail holes and the flap of rubber knob. There did not appear to be too much casing/cord damage so I added a blob of Shoegoo and left it for about a week to cure. The tire appears to have been saved as a result. Taking the trails into the office tomorrow with it.

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

So far the monkey feet have only been used indoors

Here's the sealant I am using and the story. Should link straight to the subsection on the sealant so you don't have to scroll down.

The manufacturer has tested it on ebikes but they don't advertise this (I called them up and spoke with the product manager for this formula). I sounded them out on using it as a tubeless sealant and they hadn't tried it but "yeah sure it should work". And it turns out it did, better than I ever expected. Since it never dries thats another plus over the Stans and Orange Seal Endurance I use in other bikes.

Big Fat Dummy: Leftovers

We hit the high points of the Surly Big Fat Dummy build. Lets wrap it up with a discussion of some odds and ends

talesontwowheels.com

Since then, the sealant dried (dry not weepy) over the multiple nail holes and the flap of rubber knob. There did not appear to be too much casing/cord damage so I added a blob of Shoegoo and left it for about a week to cure. The tire appears to have been saved as a result. Taking the trails into the office tomorrow with it.

Wow -- these links make a fun read! The sealant sounds amazing, and all your other "creations" and "solutions" make me sorry you don't live near me so that I could get bike advice when necessary. Shoegoo is one of my favorite things! I currently have Shoegoo repairs on my bike shoes, my saddle, my handlebar tape, and on my tires wherever I could see a slit that random sharp rock might find. Good luck with your tires on your trail ride tomorrow.