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Someone has to have a cheat-sheet on how to fit these. I've torn an inner tube and almost got to the point where I'm going to throw 80 euros of brand new tyres into the bin because they're so ****ing hard to get onto the rims.
Slowly, slowly....
Warming and stretching them a little out of the box helps. I found that trying one wheel, then swearing and doing the other, before returning to the first, helped as well. Also, a bit of air in the tube as you're fitting them helps give the tyre more shape.
If it's any solace to you, once fitted and ridden, they become much easier to refit if you puncture. Also, they're glorious tyre to ride. Top end Strada Bianca here.
Also try a small amount of talc on the tube so it doesn't stick to the inside of the true when inflating it.
With mine I fitted them then inflated to 20psi, deflated and checked, inflated again to 40psi, deflated and checked again, then finally inflated them to correct pressures.
Personally I didn't like the Challenge Strade Bianca tyres at all and couldn't wait to get then off the bike after riding them a couple of times!
Warm them up and leave on the rim without an inner tube for a day.
I've got one bead on each rim seated but the "best" I can do is about 15cm remaining of the 2nd bead.
Do you mean hook both beads without a tube?
Also, by warming up are we talking 50 degrees in the oven?
I've got 36c strada bianca pro. I'm inclined to ship them back for another set of clements unless they go on soon
The first bead shouldn't be seated if the second one is proving troublesome, it should be in the well of the rim. Apologies if this is stating the obvious, but I think the wider point stands that you need to stop shouting at the tyre and start showing it a bit of love and encouragement.
Put down the tyre levers, clear your mind, and persuade it onto the rim with your hands.
I'm likely to persuade it with a carving knife, matches lighter fuel if this continues. Wonder if my LBS can fit them. I'd put this evening for phase one of a bike build and 2 hours down the line I don't even have a single tyre fitted.
Would it be worth using a smaller tube for the first inflation?
Getting them on to the rim wasn't hard but getting the tube in was! Because the Strada Bianca's sit flat the tube was in effect way too big. Like fitting 700c in a 26" tyre. It can't go to it's natural shape. All makes of tube did this. I had to spread the slack around the rim to avoid a 1" fold. Used tyres are easier.
Pinched several tubes before I realised what was going on. 26" tubes were easier but eventually got the knack. Nice tyres but not long lasting. Cut easily but didn't puncture. Mine delaminated. The red strip inside the tyre bulged away. Importer did replace but suggested that they were "Sunday best" tyres not for sustained use. 2000 road miles isn't sustained use to me and the treads were fine. 30mm makes great gravel tyres which is where my replacements are going as I prefer tubelress on the road.