in addition to RSmk11 tyre changing advice ..
use Buzzetti tyre levers, as advised by Mr RS2.
I am an expert in changing tyres ... but using a sharp edged tyre lever .. resulting in 100% failure .. proof of which is in my `fail` cupboard .... many many rubbers with snake bite marks in lol ... o dear ..
advice i would give to a (year) younger, more innocent me? ..
Remove the wheel, place the spacers somewhere near mud or grass, to make the task much more exciting, and more practical at home.
Try to identify the dust seals near the bearings, as they can pout and disappear if handled roughly, and you won't know.
Buy the best levers.
Use someone else's levers, as on the trail you always forget your own, and this will give you practice.
Use the big lever first .. very carefully, as this is probably the most notorious position, as the innocent rubber is yet unaware of the dangers to come.
A valve remover is great .. but practice not being able to find it in your tool bag .. as they are mysterious leprechauns.
Deflate the tyre ... but not completely .. as your mates will laugh at your flaccid tube.
Although only half hard, the flaccid rubber is less easy to puncture with the lever against the rim.
If, like me, you succeed in pinch puncturing the tube, hide it immediately in the cupboard, never to speak of again.
Order that cheap thin little bassard tube/s you should have ordered in the first place.
Practice looking helpless and forlorn, for when you have need of your mate's tube.
Never travel alone, as you will need your mate's tools and spare tube.
Practice fumbling and being ham fisted, so's your mate will offer to change the tube for you, while you have a fag.
Take up smoking, if even just for this satisfaction, but resist any temptations while your bestie is bent over.
If any temptations appear .. book immediately for illegal aversion therapy.
Admit that sometimes it is better to give into some temptations, for your own mental wellbeing, and to be `in with the boys`.
Always start and finish a quarter round the rim from the valve, as this will wind up RS2.
Avoid, like the plague, any semblance of a rim lock .. they are the frustration of the devil.
When scouring around the nice new rim paint, forget all thoughts of `nice bike` ... it was already too late when you had that puncture or bought a new tube.
The harder you gouge, the less is the damage.
Pussyfooting makes it a lot worse.
Keep the distances between levers as small as practical. Little pinches of tyre rubber at a time.
Try to use the depth of the wheel `well`, the best you can, but not always as easy as it sounds, but persevere.
To assist flexibility of the tyre, prior to removal, warm up by riding for miles on the flat tyre.
Perhaps a few yards may be more practical, on a cold day? but not really advisable lol, unless desperate.
Do not place in oven, unless using a large integrated oven, to hide from misses.
Do a self mental questionnaire ... starting with .. `why the fkk did i buy such a strong hard tyre?`
Take tyre off both rims .. either side .. as less swear words are emitted while strangling the poor tube out of its encumbrance.
Alternatively, make sure the one bead end is well into the well.
Either way, move the tyre around as you go to get the most open space where you are extracting.
Try to put the correct tube size in.
Best to carry 2 tubes, I think, front and rear .. saves you doing the job twice with say a bigger front tube to the rear.
Make sure there is a bit of wind in the sails .. part inflated tube .. helps keep the tube off the metal rim.
Go steady, dont shove it in too far .. the lever. .. do the minimum to achieve results.
Pump up.
Re-fitting is a simple and easy reversal of the above procedure (lol)
Top Tip ... place the fiendish wheel spacers in from the Rear.
Also .. realign the wheel by spinning in place, then suddenly applying the brake, while the axle is loose .. realigns!!
Do not overtighten the axle, as it will be easier to remove when another puncture in the next lane, and helps keep the bearings round.
Always carry a long screwdriver .. so useful for axle removal, messing with wheel spacers, squeezing brake pads apart to slide the brake disc in, and for removing large screws.
Practise practise practise, at home, so you can tell your mates how easy it was for your first time ever, on the trail.