Hi,
I bought a 2nd hand 5spot that has Mavic Crossmax UST wheels on it. The original tyre had a puncture to I changed it to a Panaracer UST tyre.
Anyway it took two of us to get the tyres onto the rims and so much effort we thought we might damage the tyre in the process.
Has anyone had similar difficulties, is it the rims/tyres I've chosen or is there a trick to getting them on?

The rim and tyre are designed to give a very tight fit (airtight, obviously!) when fully inflated. The measurement on tyres is just a value and different tyres from different manufacturers vary dramatically in size. I've found that quality branded tyres like Michelin and Mavic rims both conform almost exactly to ETRTO sizing meaning a good fit. Other manufacturers tyres may not be made to such exact specifications or tolerences and the tyre may actually be slightly bigger, or in this case smaller, meaning you would struggle to get it on the rim!
I know I sound like some technical boffin but in reality I'm a complete newbie - see my thread in the "chat" zone! My fella saw this thread over my shoulder and asked me to post this reply! He works for a tyre manufacturer (although I can't say which one!) who gave me a difinitive answer! Therefore, any people with tyre related questions can direct them to me and I'll get them answered, eventhough I am unlikely to have a clue what you are asking if it gets technical! At least it keeps my man busy and out of my hair and makes the little cherub feel important!

My SO has a schwalbe jimmy tubeless tyre which wasn't a problem fitting, however the hutchinson scorpion was a different matter. Like you, it took two of us to fit it. At least it is safe to say it isn't going anywhere.
My question is - are tubeless tyres worth getting? What are their advantages over normal tyres?

EmJam,
Sorry for being a techie, but do you have a connection who can recommend tyres that will fit well with my Mavic Crossmax UST wheels that are similar to the Panaracer Cinder? (that was my tyre of choice before I swapped to UST). Also I'm going to Moab & Fruita in the summer, what would be the best tyres for the conditions?
You can contact me by email if it's easier.
Thanks
(formerly Queen of the Hill)

I thought tubeless tyres would be a great idea but there seemed to be mixed reviews. Having had frequent punctures (in the cold weather I found it difficult to sort out) I bought some Panaracer Flataways which are kevlar type tyre liners. They have been brilliant as over the last few years I have only had a handful of punctures. It's worth taking your time to fit them - a kitchen table comes in useful here! I have also put them in my winter tyres and on my old road-type bike.

Not cheap to buy and if you replace your tyres, you will need to replace the liner. I think they are around £10 each.

This - according to my fella anyway - is the difinitive response regarding tubsles tyres!
Rigida developed the Nagesti system and the first tubeless cycle tyre in 1996. A collaboration between Mavic and Michelin developed the UST concept in 1999. There is also the Vuelta VTS system. The first two systems are very similar but the third relies on a an adhesive band more akin to a tubular.
The tubeless tyre is not impregnable but the risk of snake-bite and impact punctures is reduced/eliminated and, in the case of small penetrations, the air escapes slowly reducing the risk of the tyre coming off the rim.
By adapting the pressure of the tubeless tyre to the weight of the rider this sytem improves comfort and grip (larger contact patch) and also tyre performance (no friction between tyre, tube and rim means less heat build up which effects the performance of the tyre).
Finally, the whole rim and tyre assembly weighs less than the traditional rim, tyre, tube and tape model.
In terms of cost, the wheels tend to be more expensive to start with and the tyres tend to cost around 5%-10% more than their tube-type equivilants. The rider has to decide whether this increased monetary cost compares to the benfit to their style of riding!
I hope that this helps but please get back to me (and my feela) if you want to know more!

Queenie - don't apologise for being a techie, my fella never does!
He tells me that the Panaracer Cinder is a fairly square block patterned tyre used for all terrain riding. It's main feature is the shoulder blocks that offer excellent braking grip when cornering.
I know I said I wouldn't say which manufacturer my fella works for but you may guess from the next comment....
He recommends MICHELIN XCR ALL-TERRAIN TUBELESS (any guesses then?) as your best bet as it offers performance in all conditions. As for later in the summer, he is unfamiliar with the conditions there but says if you let me know he will impart more wisdom to you (arrogant b*astard -I think he's getting a real kick out of this!!!)

EmJam,
thanks for your reply, it was really helpful. Sorry for taking so long to respond, I've been away.
As far as the summer goes it's probably easier if he checks out the link I've attached.
http://www.rockymountain.co.uk/biking2004/Slickrock%20Trail.htm
Thanks again

Hiya Queenie,
My fella checked out the link as you requested. As far as he understands it, you will require a tyre that works on deep sand and angled rockface - a tough test for any tyre! Michelin manufacture a tyre called the MOUNTAIN X'TREM in both a tubeless and tube-type version. Like the rest of their top-end range it is dual-compound. It is available in a 2.2" width (grey) and also a slightly more durable version in 2.5" width (red). If you need any more information then please let me know and I'll pass it on!

Oh, and best of British luck too!

Hi Emjam,
thanks for that, now I know what tyres I need, I just need to brush up on my riding.
Cheers ;0)

Queenie, please let me know how you get on - it looks like a good trip!

EmJam, I'll let you know what I think when I get back in August, but if you can't wait this thread could tell you more.

http://www.SheCycles.com/fm.asp?R=3&T=218&M=3210

Sounds good (if not far too much like hard work) Queenie - thanx for the info! Have fun!

I run crossmax ust on my hardtail, and the secret is to wipe the rim of the wheel and the edge of the tyre with fairy liquid before you fit them. It helps with lubrication without compromising the seal. I've struggled like hell with Michelin Wildgrippers and Hutchinson Mosquitos in the past, but Conti Vert Pro UST tyres go on like a dream, so I'd recommend them.

EmJam,
sorry it's taken so long to let you know how the trip went, back home back at work ect...
The Rocky Mountain Adventures Rockies/Fruita/Moab trip was brilliant. I wasn't the only female guest and two of the guides were women, who bought the company earlier this year.
The riding was fantastic and the guides accomodated different skill levels really well.
I've just added a more detailed review, it should be on the site soon.
I'd highly recommend the holiday.

Hey Queenie,
I wondered what had happened to you! Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip and look forward to reading your more detailed review soon!
Keep in touch hunni!
EmJam x

Queenie - you're back!! How the devil are you?

Hi EmJam & Bikescooby!!!!
Yes it is good to be back. Last time I was around I was planning to reduce my working week to 4 days so I could play. I started a training course which completely took over my life. But I've finshed it now and it feels so good to be back.
I'm trying to get in on the Coed y Breinin w/end, so maybe we can catch up soon.
B'Scooby how are you? I saw you won an award in MTB rider, the photo looked very deserving.

I might of won, but i'm still waiting for the prize. My dearest sent the pics in to MBR - I didn't know until I saw them in print.

It'll be to catch up - hopefull they'll be some room at the inn for you!