Cleanest Tire Changing Method

NJKawi913
Posts
265
Joined
6/5/2017
Location
Somerset, NJ, USA
Just curious to see what everyone here does to change tires without marring up their rims. I usually do a set of tires a year so i never get a lot of practice. When i first started doing my own tires i used those crappy plastic rims savers, but have recently started to just just a set of electrical taped tire irons and the seem to yield the best results
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10/20/2020 12:41pm
NJKawi913 wrote:
Just curious to see what everyone here does to change tires without marring up their rims. I usually do a set of tires a year so...
Just curious to see what everyone here does to change tires without marring up their rims. I usually do a set of tires a year so i never get a lot of practice. When i first started doing my own tires i used those crappy plastic rims savers, but have recently started to just just a set of electrical taped tire irons and the seem to yield the best results
I typically go for lots of lube and the motion pro rim savers. Tape works well too though.
1
kwoody51
Posts
156
Joined
8/25/2018
Location
Wayzata, MN, USA
10/20/2020 8:22pm
Cut off some pieces from a milk jug and stick between rim and tire iron.

Have a pair of gold rims that look brand new!

Motion pro ones were too thick for my liking.
6
mx317
Posts
5395
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
10/21/2020 6:55am
Baja No-Pinch for installation. I kind of thought it was a gimmick until I used one. I use rim protectors when removing the tire, but not sure what brand.
2
mwssquad827
Posts
1466
Joined
8/4/2016
Location
Twin Falls, ID, USA
10/21/2020 1:29pm
Moose spoons (3 is perfect) and dish soap super easy and you can spray with hose and it’s cleans it up well

The Shop

nicko-31
Posts
411
Joined
12/8/2014
Location
USA
10/21/2020 5:16pm
Zipp tie method to install. Works especially well on road bikes.
10/21/2020 7:59pm
I wrap some electrical tape around the spoon if I’m really afraid to scratch it. I’ve got good technique and usually only do that for other peoples brand new wheels
Tracktor
Posts
2343
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
The RTF/Amboy, WA, USA
10/22/2020 1:44pm
I posted a "foolproof" write up awhile back. I change a ton of tires ill even do it at track for people if they pull off bike. Easy as ever & rarely have any issues...........All you should need for tools is two spoons & a bead buddy....Obviously valve core tool and air also.......
chump6784
Posts
1776
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
10/24/2020 6:03pm
Motion Pro tyre spoons. They are rounded on the end so they are less likely to scratch rims or pinch tubes. When I ran Pirelli rear tyres I would do 3 ride days then turn the tyre around for another 3 ride days then turf it. I've done plenty of tyre changes now and those tyre spoons are awesome
2
B Lenny
Posts
883
Joined
9/20/2020
Location
Inglewood, CA, USA
10/27/2020 2:45pm Edited Date/Time 10/27/2020 2:50pm
mx317 wrote:
Baja No-Pinch for installation. I kind of thought it was a gimmick until I used one. I use rim protectors when removing the tire, but not...
Baja No-Pinch for installation. I kind of thought it was a gimmick until I used one. I use rim protectors when removing the tire, but not sure what brand.
Wink ...I have the Baja tool and didn't even break a sweat..
1
10/31/2020 12:10pm Edited Date/Time 10/31/2020 1:10pm
I use the Stubby tire tools for removal and a Baja No-pinch for installation and never have to worry about scratching a rim or breaking a sweat.

If you're old enough to remember the "Breezer" tire tool you can actually flip the Stubby's over and use them like a Breezer once you get the bead broke over the rim. Just hammer it around the rim and peal it off, or just use them like regular irons and pry it off. I do each bead to it's respective side and pull the wheel out of the tire once both beads are off.

With the tube in the tire and a slight amount of air to keep it's form, I use the Stubby's to get the bead started then finish with the No-pinch for installation.

Lube is your friend coming off and going on.
10/31/2020 8:15pm
Yes, it is. Mine is actually the TMT version that came out of Estonia about 8 years ago and it has put on a lot of tires. The Baja version is identical and all the parts interchange, so I assume they are importing them. Regardless, they are a very legit and well made. My buddy has the Baja version so I can vouch for it, too.
1
DaBaum44
Posts
356
Joined
1/21/2017
Location
USA
10/31/2020 8:50pm
Removal:
Motion Pro Rim Savers
3 Tire spoons (I've found the spoon shaped ones work best for removal)

Break the bead on both sides, then bring the tire over the rim on both sides. Then pull the rim straight out (up). Cameron Niemela has a great video of it.

Install:
Motion Pro Bead Buddy
Baja No Pinch Tool (one of the best tools I've ever bought)

Using this method/tools, the rims don't get scratched and you don't have to worry about pinching a tube. Time wise not the most efficient, but I'm going for quality.
7/9/2025 7:33pm

On the rear tire I hv a area of aprox 12 in of the rim lock that will not pop out .  I hv wd40 on tire & tube I pounded the tire with a rubber mallet & got 1 side to pop out. I also pounded the tire onto black top repeatedly.  I aired it up to 35 psi.  Last fall I had the same problem with the same tire .  I aired  it up more afraid I would blow the tube . As I reached for valve stem remover . The tube blew .  I let all the air out monkey with the tire & retried it numerous times today .   Any other thing or trick I could try ? Thx

Olecountry09
Posts
4
Joined
9/18/2024
Location
Georgia, GA, USA
7/10/2025 4:46pm
On the rear tire I hv a area of aprox 12 in of the rim lock that will not pop out .  I hv wd40 on...

On the rear tire I hv a area of aprox 12 in of the rim lock that will not pop out .  I hv wd40 on tire & tube I pounded the tire with a rubber mallet & got 1 side to pop out. I also pounded the tire onto black top repeatedly.  I aired it up to 35 psi.  Last fall I had the same problem with the same tire .  I aired  it up more afraid I would blow the tube . As I reached for valve stem remover . The tube blew .  I let all the air out monkey with the tire & retried it numerous times today .   Any other thing or trick I could try ? Thx

I just changed a new Dunlop. I had to lube well and air up then let air out. 6 or 7 times to get tire to seat all the way.  Just had to be patient. Hope this helps. 

1
7/11/2025 7:52am

I brought it to the race shop .  Hv to use a better lube he used dawn dish soap deluted . He used a dr d bead holding tool to get valve stem in .  The sidewalls r real stiff on newer tires that tool is nesessry .  Otherwise struggle to get it in due to the sidewall pinching your fingers. 90,s 2st tires it took 5 min off & on . 

captmoto
Posts
5910
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
7/11/2025 11:04am Edited Date/Time 7/11/2025 11:08am

Look on YouTube for Jay Clark's video titled I don't scratch rims. He does do a lot but I have been using his tips and my tire changing time has gone down and I'm not scratching my rims anymore.

If you're only doing one tire change a year you might as well take it to a shop. It seems a lot cheaper than $400 or whatever for a Baja tool.

2
MX558
Posts
1993
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
7/12/2025 8:19am

I use motion pro tire stand and spoons . I just acquired a used  Baja tool and it's the best 100 bucks I've ever spent on this sport 

Bearuno
Posts
5615
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
7/15/2025 12:12am
MX558 wrote:
I use motion pro tire stand and spoons . I just acquired a used  Baja tool and it's the best 100 bucks I've ever spent on...

I use motion pro tire stand and spoons . I just acquired a used  Baja tool and it's the best 100 bucks I've ever spent on this sport 

The Only thing to watch out for with the Baja tool is Sharp edges to it. They can slice into the rubber. Mine was near razor sharp ( two other mates ones seemed far better finished off, I'd say mine was an anomaly ) , but a few seconds with the linisher sorted that out.

The Noodle that I am, at times, I forgot that I had it with my last tyre change - I used to do a lot of tyre changing, with changes between Knobbies and Trials tyres for my local riding, but, I have been doing far less riding lately. I had no problem with using my tyre irons, but the Baja just does it so quickly, with no chance of a tube pinch. 

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