Bead Keeper Tool

Ken Valkyrie

Ken Valkyrie

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
248
Age
82
Location
MA
Bike
09 ST1300A
I have been mounting my bike tires myself for years and have used a number of tools with less than satisfactory results.

I just mounted my new front PR4 GT Saturday and for the 1st time used the "YellowThing" bead keeper tool.
It held the bead down perfectly, I was able to tire iron the rest of the bead down easier and quicker than ever before.
I'm very impressed.
I don't remember which mag, but I saw a good write up about the YellowThing tool in either Rider or MCN.
I got it on sale for $29.95 October 2019. (link & photo attached)

https://www.nomartirechanger.com/YellowThing_Tire_Tool_p/ac-yellowthing.htm
Click to expand...

Bead Tool.jpeg
 
If I mounted my own tires I'd get that just for the cool name.

'Hey hand me that yellow thing over there'.
'Here. Cool gizmo. What's the real name?
'YellowThing. CoolGizmo is the blue thing hanging above the filter wrench.'
'Ok then who's on first?'

That it works well would be a treat.
 
The video certainly seems to make it look easier to mount a tire with it. Looks a lot like a hand that is impervious to being pinched in the process.
 
For years I've struggled with some heavy duty clamps. I heard this thing worked really well but I just couldn't see it in me to spend the $29. Sounds like I should.

EDIT: Website says its $39.99 now. I guess my cheap self will wait for a sale again.
 
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There are some cheap knockoffs on Fleabay -

www.ebay.com

A+ New Coated Bead Keeper Tire Changer Tool RED Heavy Duty Thing | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for A+ New Coated Bead Keeper Tire Changer Tool RED Heavy Duty Thing at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

Don't know if they work as well but they look like the same basic deal.
 
Obo said:
The video certainly seems to make it look easier to mount a tire with it. Looks a lot like a hand that is impervious to being pinched in the process.
Click to expand...
I think they are using an old, worn out tire that is as floppy as a piece of spaghetti that's been boiled for 5 hours. My Angel GT bore no resemblance to that tire when I mounted it on my ST's rim. Had you seen me struggling, you would have laughed until you cried.
 
SMSW said:
I think they are using an old, worn out tire that is as floppy as a piece of spaghetti that's been boiled for 5 hours. My Angel GT bore no resemblance to that tire when I mounted it on my ST's rim. Had you seen me struggling, you would have laughed until you cried.
Click to expand...
The Michelin PR4 GT's are not easy to coerce over the rim either
 
heffly said:
I have one, not impressed with it, or the tire tool they make.
Click to expand...
I bought the no mar bar, and have had some trouble using it. The two fingers don't work as easily as shown (some of that might be a learning curve) but I think the mojo bar is the way to go. While I have not used that (mojo) it seems more straightforward to use.
 
I've been using the "Yellow Thingy" tool for 10 years now, have changed 1000 tires and love this tool. Holds the bead down in place without scratching it while I work the rest of the bead over the wheel. I got mine with my No-Mar equipment and you can buy just the yellow thingy from them if you want.
If someone is having trouble using this tool, I would have to say there is a learning curve. Took me awhile to develop techniques for all the different tire and wheel combos. The 17" sport tires I can do with my eyes closed, the heavy cruiser tires...Goldwings, HD take more time and effort.
If anyone here is having trouble mounting and balancing their tires I'd be glad to offer some advice online or the phone.
 
Something I have used for many tire changes is a pair of vise grips with a couple of pieces of heater hose over the jaws.
 
The one thing I always make sure of is to keep both tire beads in the recessed center of the wheel while prying the other side over the lip of the wheel, whether car or bike. I learned that back in the 70's in the days of spokes and tubes.
 
I have one, and it makes it easy to mount a tire by yourself. I used to ask my wife to help, but it can be messy (and spoons sometimes come flying), so this is a much easier and safer approach. And PR4 GT's are very easy compared to many other tires I have tried.
 
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