I Broke My Mojo

Installing my new tires proved to be a bit more adventure than I expected when I began. I thought it was going to be a nice Saturday afternoon project, but it turned into a multi-day affair.

Previously, I mentioned the fun I had with the caliper. Now it was time to start removing the Duros, so I could put on the new K37 snowtex. I had brought the tires into the house to let them warm up. Fortunately, our basement still isn’t finished from the disaster last summer, so I had a nice warm place to work.

The first thing I did wrong was start replacing tires without having new tubes. I like to replace the tubes in the Ural every year. The valve stem rusts. I’m also not fond of flat tires in the snow. I also replace the rim strips each year to protect the tubes from puncture.

The first tire went smoothly. Balancing took a bit longer since I was out of practice, but it went fine. The second tire…. not so good. It went on easy enough, but wouldn’t hold air. My first pinch flat. Ever.

The flat reminded me why I have new tubes around. Don’t have it, definitely need it. gah. A trip to the store for new tubes. MSR HD 110/90-19 TR6 tubes. I’ve used these tubes before.

The store robbed me. I last paid $16. They charged $27 + tax. The price for my lack of planning.

New tubes in hand, the second tire went on perfectly. The third and final tire decided to be difficult. Rust had built up inside forming a nice lip for the tire bead of hop over. It wasn’t tall, but it added enough friction to make it very difficult to remove. Tire lube didn’t seem to help either.

In the end, I broke the tip off my mojo lever by using it with too much force. It was a stupid mistake, but I needed more leverage to get the tire off. I usually don’t curse when things go wrong like this, but this time I made an exception. I was really annoyed with myself for being so dumb.

Time for another break! (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I eventually removed the old Duro with the help of two larger levers. There was a lot of corrosion on the inside of the rim. I put a metal wire brush on the dremel and cleaned it right up. It is now smooth and shiny again.

All three tires mounted, balanced, and back on the Ural. Just a fluid change and a brake bleeding await. What else could go wrong?!

 

PS: I have an email into the guy who makes the levers. I hope I can just buy a new end. I really love my mojo lever. It makes changing tires, especially tubeless sport tires, very easy.