Tire changing lube

Talcum powder

Ru-Glyde, period. Best lube and excellent for all rubber part conditioning. I mean, this stuff is really amazing - I have a gallon of it and may never use it all, but when I need it for alloy rims and tight tires (Weinmanns and Heidenau), it is a blessing.

I just mounted a pair of TT100's on steel Dunlops in 4.10 size. First, the wheels stay in the cool shop, and the tires out on the porch in the sun to heat up. Talc powder on the tube, and put into the tire as well for full coating. Fishing line tied at base of valve threads through the valve hole with tube in tire, at low pressure to correct set, then core out for maximum deflation. Takes two nice prys with steel tire irons and pops right on.

When I was young I used Johnsons baby powder
Now I'm old I use KY jelly
Maybe lubricant for fitting tyres is an age thing

Well, nobody mentioned what I use. This is probably the best stuff you will ever try. Glycerin and water and a drop of soap suds.
Get the glycerin at the drug store. You can just use it straight. You will be amazed how easily the tire goes on.

Lots of stuff is slick enough to help a stiff tire slip on, but what happens to it? Does it dry, evaporate or otherwise get less slick? If not, there's a fair chance of spinning the tire on the rim and ruining the tube. This happened to a friend's Harley when someone used soapy water as a mounting lube.

Danno said:

Lots of stuff is slick enough to help a stiff tire slip on, but what happens to it? Does it dry, evaporate or otherwise get less slick? If not, there's a fair chance of spinning the tire on the rim and ruining the tube. This happened to a friend's Harley when someone used soapy water as a mounting lube.

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I have to agree with you there, I have had a tyre run round the rim that it pulled the tube valve out- so I will not use ANY domestic soap when changing tyres- I just use a clean empty washing up liquid bottle filled with water and note I did say clean bottle. Alternatively, you can go to your local friendly tyre depot and ask them for a small amount of their tyre soap.

Back in the bicycle shop we always used hair spray to put Grab On and other slip on handlebar coverings. It has the property of being slippery for a bit of time then setting up dry. I would never count on it to hold anything in place, but there you are.

FWIW, Ru-Glyde is available in both liquid and paste form. I've only used the liquid form, but will try the paste next time. Looks much less messy.

"Ru-Glyde Tire Mounting Paste requires no mixing and is easy to apply with a brush. Contains a rust inhibitor for rim protection. Designed for alloy wheels, low profile, and run flat tires. Extra slippery to help mount tires with stiff beads. AGS Ru-Glyde Paste is a stable blend of specialty soaps, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, solvents, and water that is designed for direct application. It will not cause tires to soften or swell and is water-soluble. Does not contain petroleum, amines, phosphates, or harsh chemicals that would be corrosive to metals. Great for use on all-terrain and large commercial vehicles. Ru-Glyde® Tire Mounting Paste, Pail, 8 lb"

Ken