MTFCA Forum

After buying my 26 t I started to demount the tires for replacement. It appears the one shown in the photo is a split rim. My question is, is this a split rim and if so can I mount my new tire as is?If it is a split rim it is rusted together I couldn’t,t split. It anyway.

Yes, split rim, No, can't mount tire with out splitting.

The tyre which fits that rim is a straight side tyre, just like all the tyres of today. Rims of today have a drop centre, just like 27 T wire wheels. The tyre drops into the drop centre on one side to allow the rest of the tyre to be rolled into place.
Your split rim does not have the drop centre. The only way the tyre could be fitted would be to stretch it over the outside edge. This is impossible due to the heavy, tough wires used in the construction of the tyre carcase. So, the rim needs to be split, so that it can be collapsed somewhat to reduce the outer diameter and, in turn, allow the tyre to be dropped over the now smaller rim. Then it is jacked out again to its running size and the coupling clip engaged. Such rims DO need a flap under the tube to avoid the tube being abraded at the split.

Hope this helps.
Allan from own under.

Hello George, I have mounted several tires on those same rims. In the photo you posted you can see a lever type lock that must be turned to the side. If it’s rusted or stuck I use a flat bar like a punch to turn the lever, and it may require a little persuasion with several hammer blows. Once the lever is turned to the side you can use a rim spreader as a rim puller with the hooks or a wood working bar type clamp to squeeze the other side under the side with the lever allowing you to mount the tire with the tube already inside the tire slightly inflated. I have used a large turn buckle in the bolt mounting holes to hold the rim in a slightly collapsed state while mounting the tire. Place the tire stem through the hole first as you start mounting the tire and you may need to hold the stem in place, a couple of wraps of good ole duck tape works well. Once the tire is in position on the rim then you can release the turn buckle or rim spreader to allow the rim to return the where you started. You may need a rim spreader to push the rim back in to place or a wood working bar clamp with the ends reversed to push the rim back in to shape. Once you have it back to the round position and the ends adjoining as you started then push the lever back to how it is showing in the photo. I can probably send you a couple of photos if needed. Sorry for being long winded but I’m sure you can do it if I can. Best Regards, Charlie

Hello there John, thanks for sharing your photos, once again it’s true a picture is worth a thousand words.
Also as mentioned you should use a rim flap installed with the tube to prevent cuts at the joint of the rim.
Best, Charlie

I have done at least si of those without the special tool. I would either load the joint clip (I'm not sure of the official name) With a good penetrating oil, let it sit for a bit, then as was suggested earlier, move it with a hammer and punch. If you want to get it done more quickly, use a gas wrench. Any welding or exhaust shop will have one.