I have struggled and fought to install first a set of mountain bike tires last fall, and now today a pair of road bike tires. In short, they all had the same manufacturing defect, namely a too-tight kevlar bead. Yes, I know how to install bike tires. In fact, in my little road ride group I was notably the fastest at this – a handy thing during deer fly season. Yes, I know that new kevlar bead tires are always a little tight, and that they stretch out to something easier to change by the first flat. Been there, done that on the side of the road many times. Yes, I know there is such a thing as manufacturing variation, and we all have to live with that. No however, all four of these were all way outside of spec. I might have been able to get them on at home, but they were so tight that I wouldn't bet on being able to change them on the side of a hot highway or while being bug-attacked on a trail. Safety issue either way. Screw it. Live and learn.
What to get then? Kevin up at the bike repair shop (sorry, doesn't sell tires) recommends Schwalbes, and I have a real fondness for
Vredesteins for the road. On the gravel bike, Ritchey SpeedMaxs rule. No real problem getting a set of Specialized's onto the old mtb either. WTBs always are a good choice. Really though, I've never seen a bike tire I didn't like – except for Continentals.
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