Just had a set of Avon Distanzias fitted recently and they were both tight to get on especially the rear and this was at the garage were i had to end up helping the guy get it on! The tyres for road going purposes are great but it was clear that although i carry equipment to change punctures, there would be no chance of doing this roadside if we could barely achieve it with the tyre machine, I am currently planning a trip into Spain and maybe Morocco and i want to know which off-road biased tyres are readily changeable should the inevitable puncture happen, i would appreciate your input on this, the TKC80s spring to mind as a few have used them but im looking for definitive answers based on changing them yourselves at roadside.
Cheers
Steve

You've said it yourself, the TKC's are the way to go.

Changing at the roadside is straightforward and easy with the TKC's. I've found that the more road bias they are, the bigger pigs they are!

I've managed to refit the tyre on the front without levers when it's been warm.

As a general rule, I only ever use the kit I carry to change tyres, even at home. Practise Practise Practise.... as someone once said to me

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

I had a flat this past weekend and the practice I had the last three times were a blessing



The small compressor was useless

The centrestand is a MUST

Prior to our Moroccan trip last year we swapped the original Sirac's for TKC's.

Although we had workshop facilities available, the rules of engagement were to do it by hand using the tools we would take with us.

By far the most difficult task was breaking the bead of the original Sirac's.

We never did get to try removing the TKC's at the roadside as we did not suffer the misfortune of a puncture, but I suspect that having a puncture while riding would probably help break the bead!

... and definitely fit a centre stand!

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http://www.freewebs.com/my2wheels/

Yes....

or a sturdy pannier you can sit the bike on

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Just a quick note to echo the other replies. Road biased tyres always seem to be tighter on the bead. I can only conclude that they are all tubeless at heart regardless of tyre wall markings. I have changed TKC's on the forecourt of a petrol station, and on a back road in France and also on Salisbury Plain with the tools carried and no issues other than getting a bit sweaty. Agree with centre stand comment. I have not got one and spend long periods looking for logs for under the belly pan when puntures occur. Also agree with comment re breaking the bead. When changing the tyre at home its a pig, But after a rolling punture its ok as its normally de-beaded (that can't be the correct word!). Finally I would just add that decent tyre levers, rim protectors and taking your time is the key.

Its really just a big bicycle. Good luck.

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'

N Boer maak n plan ag Lekka Duel .

I am so glad I have never had to change a tyre whilst out and about. its hard enough doing it at home. I have also had to give in a couple of times with road tyres and nip down the local bike mechanic and even then he struggled.

never knew about knobblies being easier to change but it makes sense as I have only ever struggled with road tyres.

wearing gloves saves bust knuckles

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Ride On :tenere:Camel 2008XT660Z
harvey mushman did it in the dirt Uma 1994 TT250R

Everyone worries about the removal or breaking the bead. I fitted a Pirelli Scrorpion MT90 at the back and could break the bead by using 2 long tyre levers against each other.
But seating the tyre was not accomplished at more than 5 bar. So I had to loosen it again and douse with soapy water before inflating again to almost 5 bar before it slipped over the last lip to seat. Doubt if my tyre pump or CO2 cartridges would have done that next to the road. So also lubricate well before seating !

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2014 XT660Z - Barrett pipe, DNA stage1.5, Barkbuster hand guards and handlebars, Pivot pegs, Teknik suspension, Guard-it engine protector combo, B&B rear rack, Trax topbox.

Which raises the question of what people do out on the trail to lube? I carried a small can of wd40 last time, but I think better and smaller would be to decant some washing up liquid in to a very small container of some sort.