I have been looking at these tyres and wanted to fit them myself. It will be the first time i am doing this. I intend to get some decent tools for the job but am wondering how difficult it will be as they seem to have a steel belt. Any views would be most welcome.

It depends on your definition of "decent tools"

I am assuming that does not mean a full-fledged compressor driven tyre machine. So prepare for some cursing and swearing the first few times

It is easier to get tyres off/on if they are nice and warm. To get the old tyres warm go for a ride, meanwhile put the new ones in direct sun light, preferably in a conservatory or something. Makes them more flexible and manageable. Secondly, apply lots of grease. If you don't have specific tyre grease just soapy water works as well.

If you have to apply a lot of force you are probably taking too big a section of tyre at once, go with smaller sections at a time. also make sure that the opposite side of the tyre is nice and deep in the middle of the rim.

And take good care that you are not nipping the tube while you're putting the new tyre on.

I don't have any experience with these trailmaxes, but I have done my share of tough-walled tyres and in the end they will all fit. It is just the amount of cursing that varies.

Tools will be 3 tyre irons 2 bead buddys and a clamp to help break the bead. I just want to learn how to do it myself so i can change tyres for different uses, and mend a puncture. I just am not sure about the steel belt and how hard it will be. I have seen you tube videos and have picked up some tips and methods, but most of the tyres appear to be off road ones which people say are easier.

I have had these tyres, thought about a DIY fitting job, but in the end didn't bother because of the same reservations that you have. I have had no bother changing TKCs on the Ten (and removing Tourance), but these road bias tyres feel a lot stiffer. For the sake of �20, I didn't think it was worth the blood, sweat and tears, especially if your short of time and it's freezing cold in the shed.

Mind you, they were good tyres for road work and last well.

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Can't agree. tyre fitting is pretty straight forward, i think it's a skill a biker/adventure [never mind enduro racing] rider should have. I still fit a pair of tyres with mousses to the bike in under 15 minutes.

checkout as a starting point http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUfYs30x5eU

roadside tyre replacement rural france last year


go on give it a go!

Probably didn't explain myself very well. I totally agree that changing tyres is a valuable skill to have, and I do have it I think (maybe not 15 minutes though!) However, what I was trying to imply was there are occasions when time, children, wife, work, weather, excuses etc mean it's just more sensible to get someone to do it!

Fac191 should have a go, but perhaps a tyre like the TR91 is not the best for a first attempt? But, you can always try and if you get stuck then take it to the tyre man I suppose...

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