With the introduction of tubeless tyres- and the popularity of very puncture resistant tyres - there is a trend towards a tighter tyre fit which is causing some people difficulty.
Let's not talk about the special tools that have been created to respond to this trend but get to the basics of tyre fitting. Some of the tips and steps may be new to you. If this doesn't work it's time to consider a different rim/tyre combination and your bike shop will be able to advise you. This may mean buying new wheels or - if you have expensive hubs - just buying new rims and having your wheel rebuilt.
In a new fun game we are playing "Spot the deliberate mistake".
1. Practice, practice, practice
Not all of the steps will be achievable on a ride but may offer some solace if you are struggling in the cold at the side of the road. Practice at home so you are confident out on the road.
2. Relax
If you have just brought a new folding tyre home lay it out flat, put it under your bed and let it find it's shape again which may take a couple of days.
3. Warm up
A warm tyre is easier to handle and more pliable so warm it up in the house or a convenient café on your ride. This isn't always possible so practice at home with a garage temperature tyre.
4. Create slack
Use the wheel rim's central channel to sink the tyre bead in on the side opposite the valve hole creating slack by the valve hole. This requires technique so scroll through YouTube.
5. Use quality
In response to tight fitting tyres you can buy broad stiff tyre levers. Whatever you choose go for quality as a broken tyre lever is of no use and could cause damage to you or your wheel.
6. Lubricate
As friction is your enemy use a little soapy water. Heck, the café may even squirt some detergent in your water bottle for you to use. Just don't use a lubricant that may damage your tyre or inner tube.
7. Valve start, valve finish
Just be careful round the valve. When seating the tyre push the valve in so the inner tube is buried in the tyre and the tyre is free to seat itself on the rim.
8. Try not to use the tyre leaver
Tyre leavers love to puncture inner tubes when fitting a tyre so try and use hands to create slack and massage the tyre on. Look at lots of YouTube videos as this is all about technique and not brute force.
9. Trapped inner tube?
Partially inflate the inner tube when mounting a tyre so it sits in the tyre. Take an extra minute to check for any inner tube trapped between rim and tyre before you inflate the inner tube.
10. Inflate to the max then deflate
You want the tyre beads to properly bed into the groove on the rim. To achieve this, without exceeding the maximum pressure on the tyre, inflate until you hear a satisfying popping sound then deflate to the required pressure.