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Bib Mousse / TireBalls Tire Changing Instructions
1st Draft Created June 2010
First year qualifying for an ISDE? 10 minute tire changes on your mind?
Just tired of getting flats while running tubes in your local offroad series? Read on!
| The purpose of these instructions is to give USA riders one less thing to worry about at the ISDE. There are definitely other methods that are as good or better; if you know of other instructions out there please send the link to info@AcadianaRacing.com so we can add it. These instructions / videos were put together by AcadianaRacing.com / LACC Series staff member Lucas Comeaux - silver medalist in Chile in '07 (club team) - impounding every day ON TIME after tire changes, etc. Special thanks to Jeremy Ketchum with KTM for the help back in '07, it is much appreciated! |
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Step 1: Buy the right tools for the job:
| Picture | Description | Ouch |
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Michelin Bib Mousse (Foam Inserts Instead of Tubes)Ask for these at your local bike shop - make sure to get the right size. Tireballs are another option. Don't try to get by with using heavy duty tubes - you will get a flat. Bib Mousses come with small tubes of lube but usually at the ISDE the crew will have a huge bucket of community mousse lube.(they don't recommend it but Michelin Bib Mousse inserts DO work in other brand tires...again, just make sure to get the right size that matches up with the size tire you're running) |
$130 Each $260 Total |
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Offroad Champions Tire Changer There are many other options out there but this tire changer gives you a couple of extra cool features that'll we'll get into later. Purchase here. |
$167 |
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Zip-Ty Racing Mighty Tire Irons
(We recommend four) These are bullet proof and provide plenty enough leverage. The first thing you'll want to do is Loctite the aluminum handle on (seems to loosen over time otherwise). Purchase here. |
$29.95 Each $119.80 Total |
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Moose Racing Ty-Er Irons (Only
need one set) This pair of spoon-ended smaller irons (only 10 1/2") is perfect for one of the steps we'll get into later (helps slide the opposite end of the tire bead into the rim when you're on your last couple bites with the Zip-Ty Mighty Irons...will slide them in spoon-down). Website (purchase at your local bike shop) |
$29.95 For Set of Two |
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Motion Pro Tire Iron (Only need
one) The curved end of this conventional style tire iron will come in handy when working past the rim lock (more on that later). Website |
$28.99 (comes in a set) |
Step 2: On To The Fun Part...The Actual Procedure:
A little hard to write out so we figured we'd use the camera. Take your time and don't get frustrated...we even have some music and a female voice to help get you through it:
Step 3: Practice Makes Perfect:
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If possible have whoever will be helping you at the actual ISDE practice with you so they'll know what tools to hand you and when...without you having to ask for them. They'll also need to know when to put their foot on the other side of the stand to keep it from sliding away or tilting up. When out practice riding prior to the ISDE come in and time your tire changes too...in the heat, with gear on, & tired. Just flip the tire around the other way each time you come in. Practice your tire changes each week night too with stop watch. |
Step 4: Race Time:
| Now that you're all practiced up you get to go have some fun racing! At the last check-in at the end of each day make sure to loosen your rim locks when sitting there waiting...will save you a little time once you roll into parce ferme. You may also want to loosen a few of the little bolts that clamp down on your front axle, helmet strap undone, etc. & go over the bike using the tools in your fanny pack. | |
| Go into the last check as soon as it flips to your minute -
you'll now have 15 minutes to work on your bike but by the time
you ride from the last check to your pit area, get the bike on
the stand, take off your helmet, etc. AND leave enough time to
get over to impound afterward...you'll want to have your tire changes
down around 10 minutes or under. You'll also have time in
the morning but you'll probably want to keep that free for oil
changes, air filter, brake pads, etc. if needed. Remember to push your brake calipers in when the wheel is still on the bike to open up a gap...BEFORE it's time to put it back on, if not more time is required opening a gap with tool. |
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The final product: both tires in about 7 minutes:
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Special thanks to Bruce, Donna, and Jenny Comeaux, Bob Cornell, Gene & Angie Stelly, Kevin H., Shana, and Bryan S. |
More Videos:
| Send us a link to YOUR video! |
What it shouldn't look like:
If you're still using tubes:
How to Change a Rear Tire by Jay Clark
