Marathon XR-changing tires??

[kcreswel]

I just bought some Marathon XRs and my bike shop guy says they were really hard to get on---any hints??  I'm a little worried about having a flat in the middle of nowhere and not being able to change them

[cyclesafe]

The wire beaded XR, when new, can be difficult to get on the rim.  However, once you get it on and off the rim a few times, it should be easier each time.  And after you practice for a while, you'll figure out what works for you.  I cheat and use the tire levers, but this is not good practice as you can easily pinch the tube....

[miles2go]

Hi KCReswel,

I'm curious why you had your bike shop install the tires.  Tire changing is something every tourer should be comfortable in doing themselves; more so than any other type of cyclist.

Ease of installation varies somewhat from rim to rim but is related more to the tires.  Schwalbes are some of the tighter fitting tires I've used but in most cases they've been manageable.  

That said, the first time I planned to give Schwalbe Marathons (first version) a try, they were incredibility tough to get them mounted to a pair of Mavic 221 rimed wheels.  I returned them and used Continental TravelContacts instead.

In this case, I'd advise that you try removing and reinstalling at least one of the tires to see what you're up against.  Chances are it's going to be an easier task if the wheel and tire are warm so try to change it with that condition met.

Ron
www.fullyloadedtouring.com