tire irons

[Clutch]

maybe this will turn into a "dreaded tire irons" post, but does anyone have advice on the types of irons they think are better?  I noticed that there are spoon, straight, and curved ends... what are the benefits to these different ends?

[montmil]

Well, Clutch, I have several of all kinds. When I get to changing tires, i need all I can get.  

The "curved" end irons -if I get your description correctly- do a nice job of holding onto the wheel rim. Sometimes when the bead pops over, the curved iron may get trapped. Grrr...

"Straight" is just that. It's the proper substitute for a screwdriver. And the spoon end iron has a bit wider working surface and a gentle curve that can assist the bead over the rim nicely.

I still have my OE Triumph tire irons out of my 1953 Turnip. Of course, they are Whitworth and totally unusable on metric bikes.  [smiley=mad.gif]

Harbor Freight recently had a sale on a tire iron that I had to have... that puppy is well over two feet long! Just imagine what I can screw up with that.

Look for irons that have a smooth working surface and a nicely tapered end. Buy some of each. Your buddies will like you for it and you can have your own tire tech days in your garage.

Monte

[Justin B.]

I use irons that are about 12" long with one end straight and the other slightly curved.  I find that 3 irons will usually get the job done fairly well.  Monte covered their uses fairly well and I agree except that I have never used any of the "spoons".

[MrRiden]

Combination irons like Justin described. Always have changed my own tires and these do the trick. Size does matter so unless your planning on carrying these around get some nice long ones, no smaller than 12". changing yr own tires builds character!
rich

[montmil]

...changing yr own tires builds character!
rich

AND vocabulary!   Monte

[Clutch]

thanks guys!  I'll be borrowing a friend's irons for this job, but I want to get some of my own.  He helped me change the tires last time, and it was a big PITA!  I've read some old posts on the forum and got a few tire changing tips, so maybe it will be easier this time.  I'll be trying it on my own now.

[Justin B.]

The Harbor Freight tire changing stand with the motorcycle tire attachment is worth every penny.  Gets the tire up about wait high, holds on to it, no more crawling around on the floor...