How to remove old, dry tires from rim

[Mailman]

So after reading this thread I felt inspired. I just happened to have some ancient original tires
on my XS2 that need to come off.
This morning I ran to the hardware store and bought some of those hook shaped razor blades for my Stanley knife, and when I got home I broke out my bead busting lumber and got ready.
I removed the valve stems and here is how I broke the bead on these old tires.

WITH MY THUMB!
I couldn’t believe it! Next up the razor knife, cut through the sidewalls like butter baby!

What was left of the tires pried right off. Easy Peasy, didn’t even have to use any kind of lubricant.

20 minutes , start to finish!
XSWestgate is a genius!

 

[DogBunny]

That's an old trick we used to use when I worked in a semi repair shop many many years ago. Sometimes you just couldn't get a bead to seat, or if on a roadside repair. I've got a nice scar on my forehead from an inflation ring incident, but that's another story.... A can of ether and a couple passes around the tire with it leaving a trail out. Ignite and stand back. First couple of times a guy showed me i about shit my pants. It's one thing on a semi-trailer tire, but I would never do in a bike tire.

If you use this method you MUST immediately air up the tire. I did this to seat a car tire once. Took a couple of tries, but once it seated I was so pleased that I admired my work for just a few short seconds... then the air in the tire started cooling off and contracting, shrinking the tire with it... until a side wall collapsed. The tire was still seated, but it was pretty much destroyed safety-wise.

 

[650Skull]

Found a use for those old tyres..............

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

That calls for the matching "Road Warrior" jacket, pants, boots, gloves...

 

[XSWestgate]

20 minutes , start to finish!
XSWestgate is a genius!

Totally! if trying to copy someone else's method and screwing it up but accidentally finding another really good solution counts as genius...

Personally, i'd say "XSWestgate is a slightly above average backyard mechanic"

 

[fredintoon]

Being a low mileage rider my tires tend to last a long time and be a bear to remove.
The last time I DIY'd it the swap it did not go well.
Since then I take the wheels to my favorite bike shop, pay them the money and let them do it.