This tool really helps with mounting 20 inch trike tires. I have no issues mounting larger tires on my bicycles but the 20 inch tires arent near as flexible. This tool isnt perfect but it does help get them on the rims.
Bought the Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack to assist in mounting a tight Veloflex Corsa open clincher on a Mavic Open 4 CD rim. I got both Corsa tires on with bare hands (see Veloflex review elsewhere, great tire!), but when I developed a slow leak in one tube, I decided to give my sore thumbs a break and take a chance with the Kool Stop tool. (Veloflex warns against using tools to mount their tight clinchers.) I am glad I did.
The Kool Stop is simple, strong and well made, and somewhat mimics the action of two strong thumbs. Best of all, it is safe to the tube, the tire, the rim and the user, yet enables one to slip the tire on within seconds. There's almost no way one could damage a tire or tube with the Kool Stop. Even if it sits in the tool box for months, the first time you use it, it will pay for itself, particularly when mounting, tight, flat, non-vulcanized high-threadcount tires like Veloflex or Vittoria. I would give it more stars if I could. Consider it like buying insurance. Hopefully, you will never need it...but you will be glad it is there if you do.
I used these to mount a tough Schwable G-OneHED rim combination and ended up bending the bead of the rim. They work well but can provide too much leverage and damage your rim.
While I was never able to mount the Schwable on the rim, I removed them, straightened the rim flange, and was able to mount a similarly difficult Gravelking on the rim, this time being careful to not damage the rim flange.
So heads up.
If you've EVER struggled with getting a tire on your rim this would have solved your problem and saved your thumbs.
I broke 3 tire levers before breaking down and buying this item. The difference is unbelievable!
In my case I was using Vittoria Randonneur tires on a bontrager rim. I know some tires are very easy to fit on the same rims but I dint have those and had gotten quite used to the tires I had. I had also struggled before with the same tire but got over not. I didn't know there was such a gadget.
While not the smallest item its not too big to strap under your saddle. I won't leave home without it cos changing a tire in the rain is no fun. Changing in the searing heat is no fun. Now I don't worry about it.
This makes life a little too easy. I almost miss the challenge of putting on tight fitting ties with my bare hands until my palms are blistered, then resorting to using tire levers and pinch-flatting a couple of tubes. Ha! Never again! I ride a touring bike with a giant seat pack and keep this with me all the time.
The Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack provides extra leverage for mounting those hard-to-mount tires. However, you must be careful not to pinch the tube when you grip the tire. It may be better for mounting tubeless tires. It works fine at home but it is too long for most seat bags or jersey pockets so it's not easy to take on the road.
After a 2hr. struggle with Schwalbe tires and Mercury carbon rims I gave up. Saw the bead jack and gave it a try. 5 min. to mount 2 tires. Hooks over bead and levers over rim edge. If using tubes avoids the dreaded tube pinch.. Makes the first mount of tight tubeless tires to tubeless rims fairly easy. One of the top tools I have ever purchased for making your mechanic life easier.
