1. Tire spoons nicer to rims than tire "irons" - fast shipping from STG
I've always been hesitant to change my own tires, but recently saw a video that provided some helpful tips, and the demo* was done with these tire spoons. I am restoring a vintage bike that still had the original 50-year old Pirellis (now rock hard) on soft aluminum rims. First I tried the video technique with existing tire irons, but the shape and surface finish of the irons made it difficult and I scratched the rim, so quit after removing just one side of the tire. STG was the only place carrying this good quality, highly polished tire spoon. They shipped right away. The spoons changed the whole experience - surprisingly easy to break the bead just using the spoons, the spoon shape and smooth finish made it very easy, and no scratches. STG has often carried products I couldn't find elsewhere, and always ship promptly.
** the video is in Japanese on the "Young Machine" site, but easy to follow even without translation:
https://young-machine.com/2022/03/13/299641/
-- john merlin
