I've owned a pair of HED ALPS for the past 6 months (powertap sl in rear wheel). Nice wheels, but I have one major problem. I have a very difficult time getting tires on. I called HED and they suggested going to a thinner rim tape (from Velox to Rox). I've done this, but it has only helped a little. The only tires that I can get on easily are some used conti ultragator skins (wire bead). Too bad each tire weighs about 10 pounds each. I can't mount the Conti Attack/Force on no matter how hard I try and I only get on the Conti Ultra 2000 with considerable difficulty (30 minutes and the loss of one layer of skin).

Any suggestions: different tires, rim tape, tire irons?

I'm no rookie when it comes to changing tires. I have none of these problems on my other wheelsets (between my wife and I we have 5 others including Zipp with another powertap sl).

Thanks, Ben