Looking for 20 X 1-1/8 (451) tire suggestions?

I had purchased a Schwalbe Durano recently...spent 45 min trying to stretch it onto the rim, damaging 2 tubes in the process, and never did succeed????....ended up giving it away. I'm guessing it may have been maybe a (406) mis-marked?
Anyway...looking for suggestions (maybe Kenda K193's) for a good 20 x 1-1/8 (451) tires, as I am not finding anything. My bike is a Easy Racer Tour Easy SS.
Ric

 

Okay this is not a tire recommendation, but a tool.

I have and use the "Tire Bead Jack" from Kool Stop. I volunteer with a bicycle touring company and use it all the time. We see all types and sizes of tires on the customers bikes and I have yet to not get even the most stubborn tire on. There was one time when another crew member had been fighting with a tire for 30+ minutes had got blisters on his hands, I came along and saw what was going on, got the tool and within a few minutes if not sooner the tire was on.

And before you ask, Yes I have used it on 20 inch tires, they were 406 not 451. Among others, I put front tires on a friends Catrike Expedition. If I recall correctly they were also Schwalbe Durano. If they were not, whatever they were, they still were a royal pain to get on, never would have happened without the Tire Bead Jack.

A quick google search shows them running between $10.50 and $12.69 depending on the store.

Gary

 

Thanks for the input guys. Now my backlash...Haha!:
The KoolStop tool looks great for a shop, but maybe a bit impractical for carrying on tour (size?). It does do the job...but I would prefer having a tire that can be replaced without needing a bike shop! The quick stick "only for tire removal" is simple, but not sure it is much diff than a good tire lever. But maybe good for installing a tough tire in the field. May have to look into/try that. I have a set of metal tire levers, but they seem to more easily damage a tube than some of the plastic tire levers. Just my thoughts. I just wish I could continue to find/but the old Primo Comet "Kevlar" w/reflective sidewall (20X1-1/8 (451)). I can still find the non-Kevlar blackwalls...but not as puncture resistant. I have never had a major issue with that tire...maybe why they removed it from the market. Haha! Thanks for the input guys...now to start a new thread on my recent need for cassette removal while touring. Ric, Omaha, NE

 

No argument that the Kool Stop tool is bigger than tire spoons.

Here are its vital statistics.

• Weight
  • 85 grams or
  • 2.95 ounces or
  • 0.184375 pounds

• Dimensions when folded laying flat
  • Length = 8.75 inches (222.25 mm)
  • Depth = 1.5 inches (38.1 mm)
  • Height = 1.0 inch (25.4 mm)
  Not really so big that it could not be stored in the bottom of a pannier or in the trailer as seen in your avatar. With luck you would not be pulling it out often.
  Easily will fit into most handlebar bags.
  
  There is another tool that is similar, and I have it also, which I carry on my trike. It is from VTR (Link is provided as reference only) It includes two spoons and sorta works like the tool from Kool Stop. It does not have as much leverage and hooks on the bead which can result in having the tool caught inside the rim. It is 5.5 X 15/16 X 7/8 inches and weighs a little bit more than half of the Kool Stop tool.
  
  Gary

 

I sell all kinds of tire levers for people who like to be "DIY". However, I use nothing but quick sticks in my shop when I am working on someone else's bike/bent. For me it is the "quickest" method.