- Joined
- Jun 16, 2019
- Messages
- 545
- Bike
- 2010 NT700V
I change a few tires per year, so I try to avoid shops to save on the labor charge. I've known about the zip tie method for some time, but never seriously considered it as more than a parlor trick. Well, after giving it a shot I'm kicking myself for not doing this on all previous tire changes. My usual method involved the standard battle with tire spoons, rim protectors, and plenty of expletives to go around. For the zip tie method you'll need some "Heavy Duty" zip ties. Break the bead using whatever your go to method is (I have a BeadBuster XB-450), and favorite tire lube as well.
I just did the front on NT700V. No irons were required for removal or install. Elbow grease is still required to peel the tire off the rim. Grab rim with one hand, pull tire off with the other. You'll want the end of the tire directly across from where you're trying to start the peel tucked up into the drop-center of the rim..
I wouldn't say the zip tie method is quicker than using spoons, but it's way easier and there's essentially no risk of rim damage. I look at it like painting. Take the time during the prep work applying the zip ties, and the tire will come off and go on in under a minute.
The idea is to get the two tire beads to come together, so the whole tire can be passed over in one motion. My slight modification on the zip tie method is to use a soft jaw bar clamp, like this one https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jorgensen-12-in-33700Series-Bar-Clamp/1000988552 and pinch the beads together while I apply the zip ties. In the few videos showing this out there, you'll see folks kneeling on the tire or trying to hold it compressed with one hand and wrestling with the zip tie in the other. Way easier to let the clamp hold the tire, cinch a zip tie next to it and then move to the next location. The clamp is especially helpful on the old tire, as you're threading the zip ties between the bead and the rim. For new tire install: apply the ties, Lube up the tire like normal and just press it down around the rim.
You could simply snip the ties, or try and save them. I try to reuse them, as there might be one or two changes left in them. I use a 90 degree o-ring pick to pull back on the lockjaw while I slide the tie back through.
I just did the front on NT700V. No irons were required for removal or install. Elbow grease is still required to peel the tire off the rim. Grab rim with one hand, pull tire off with the other. You'll want the end of the tire directly across from where you're trying to start the peel tucked up into the drop-center of the rim..
I wouldn't say the zip tie method is quicker than using spoons, but it's way easier and there's essentially no risk of rim damage. I look at it like painting. Take the time during the prep work applying the zip ties, and the tire will come off and go on in under a minute.
The idea is to get the two tire beads to come together, so the whole tire can be passed over in one motion. My slight modification on the zip tie method is to use a soft jaw bar clamp, like this one https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jorgensen-12-in-33700Series-Bar-Clamp/1000988552 and pinch the beads together while I apply the zip ties. In the few videos showing this out there, you'll see folks kneeling on the tire or trying to hold it compressed with one hand and wrestling with the zip tie in the other. Way easier to let the clamp hold the tire, cinch a zip tie next to it and then move to the next location. The clamp is especially helpful on the old tire, as you're threading the zip ties between the bead and the rim. For new tire install: apply the ties, Lube up the tire like normal and just press it down around the rim.
You could simply snip the ties, or try and save them. I try to reuse them, as there might be one or two changes left in them. I use a 90 degree o-ring pick to pull back on the lockjaw while I slide the tie back through.
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