Wire spoke rims and tube tires

[02redhawk]

I'm helping someone change their tires on their cruiser. It's got spoke rims and tubes. I recall putting a bit of air in the tube to get rid of the folds and help line up the valve stem, then levering over the second bead. That was a Long time ago and it was on dirt bike tires. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

[nhbubba]

I've done the 17" wheels on my supermoto. I imagine it may be similar to a cruiser setup.
Definitely partially inflate the tube. I'd do so before tucking it into the wheel. I think it helps preventing the tube from getting twisted and helps get it in place. Then work slow and be patient.

I now buy my tubes 2x as many as I think I need.

[csmutty]

Yeah just put enough air in it to give it it's shape. Any more and it will be hard to get in.

[jasnmar]

That's what she said...

[slowkermit]

Lube makes the whole process easier

[02redhawk]

Thanks for all the pointers especially about extra tubes. It's easy to get off track when watching all the Youtube experts. Thanks again.

[whynot]

Yes, lube is the key. I use powder (bath powder, baby powder) liberally on the tube. Keep the beads and your tire levers wet with lube, like soapy water, or plain water. Not WD40.

I use these rim protectors, Motion Pro RimShield II RimShield II | Motion Pro

Do not over-inflate to seat the bead, use like 40-45 psi max.

[SVRACER01]

i like to spray the tube down with windex or something too. makes it more slippy and (i feel) makes it a little harder to pinch

[02redhawk]

I'm using a HF tire changing stand. The clamps on the edge of the rim don't do a great job of keeping the rim from rotating so I typically add a ratchet strap wrapped around one of the mag rim spokes to keep the rim from rotating. Is this OK to wrap across a few spokes on a typical cruiser rim?