A package from Ebay & No-Mar tire changer company arrived yesterday.
Large packet.
4 bolts drilled into the floor & some work later the tool was ready for use.
I've got the Cycle Hill version, youtube description here:
According to the description the tire changer should be usable for wheels down to 7". As I practiced with my semi-damaged wheel, I soon understood that the smaller the rim, the harder the job is.
After some swearing and practice, watching Youtube D.I.Y movies on tirechanging, I actually managed to get my "practice wheel" installed. But not with the No-Mar tools provided.
I'll write off some of my problems to beginners fault, but the fact is that the 10" tire change differs from the 26" they show on Youtube.
For once: The first bead just pops over the edge of the rim. Doesn't happen on 10".
Second: The clamp for holding the tire down is made for larger bikes. On a scooter the smallest radius mid section is covered.
Third: The stiffness of the bead is apparently more extreme when trying to release tire from rim. I actually bent one of the No-Mar special tools on first try.
Not too happy with function, I soon also discovered that the build quality of the tool was poor: The mid axle is utilized both as a centre post and as a handle for the bead breaker. But the axle does not fit the bead breaker hole, possibly because of too much paint.
First impression: Possibly no. 1 tool for large MC wheels, but for 10", forget it. I could have managed with a much cheaper tool. But I will try to make friends with it, still have some rims left to install.
