How to change Gator Skins

[jaffstar]

Struggling to change gator skins....

 

Questions:

 

1. How to ?

 

I get to final part and it's too tight to snap over

 

.

2.  What is a better tyre thats easier to change ?

[Malpiet]

Lol gators are so crap to change especially on shimano wheels.

 

You need to move the tire bead to the center of the rim thats the only way it will go on.

[BaGearA]

they are a pain to fit but considering you get like 986 00 00  00000 000km(zuma can't say this) out of them is it not worth it?

[Veebee]

Buy folding gators the next time, much easier.

[Butterbean]

Folding version is much easier, but for the wire versions, I find that you need to do the following once you've got the tough point:

 

Take both tyre levers and insert them under the tyre, with the scoop side of the lever facing in, and hooked just over the lip of the rim. You place them under the bead a third of the way in on each side. Then, very gently, and listening for strain if you're on carbon wheels, pull the levers upwards, and the bead should just slide over the rim. You need to take care to avoid pinching the tube at this point, but it's been the only reliable method of seating these for me. I've done this on both carbon and all wheels.

 

One lever in the middle may work, but will 8/10 times snap the lever, hence the change to two levers with space on each side.

 

Fitting struggles aside, the puncture protection is amazing and they do last for freaking ages. I've actually never replaced worn gators, only when they have too many cuts for my liking, or when they're just looking shoddy and someone has a special, have I replaced mine.

[DJR]

Soapy water helps too. But yes, the folding versions are much easier.

[pe3nguin]

Leave the tyre in the sun. Sip a beer or two. Slap tyre on rim. Works 90% of the time every time

[J∆kk∆ls]

When you get to end bit. Rub some spit on the inside (soapy water not always available) the reverse your tyre lever and wedge the tyre on. There is a small possibility of getting a pit flat but that has never happened to me.

[scotty]

What rim are you using ? I've never had to use tyre levers to fit mine. 

[ZakAttak]

With great difficulty, but it does go on... eventually....

[DJR]

Leave the tyre in the sun. Sip a beer or two. Slap tyre on rim. Works 90% of the time every time

To make the suns' warming effect even better, cover the wheel with a black rubbish bag.