So, after half an hour of swearing, sweating, assorted levers and inner tube inflation/deflation, there was a satisfying "pop" as I finally got the damn tyre on! 😀

Unfortunately there was a less satisfying pop as the 10mm x 5mm blister on my thumb that all this tyre wrestling had created went "splat" over the side of the tyre. 🙄

Anyone got any suggestions as to how to get the other tyre on the back wheel, bearing in mind there is quite a large area of raw skin on my right thumb? 😳

washing up liquid as a lube?

These are the business, someone on here recommended them to me. Trust me, they work!

Or the Simson Tyre Mate is rather good for fitting tight tyres: http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP3845.aspx

The Crank Brothers Speed Lever worked for me with some crazy tight campag rims.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_Speed_Lever/5360019204/

Might try the washing up idea – I had another go earlier and split the fresh raw skin where the first blister was. It stings a bit….