Is this a good match? I got the rims already to go but waiting on the tires, I throw an old set of tires I had on the rims to try them and it was a struggle to get the tires on. after 15 minutes I had to use tires levers to get the tires on.

Is this common with sun rims or just the combo I tried?

The old set of tires are Continental Ultra sport 700x25c. The schwalbes I want to order are 700x 32

common with sun rims in my experience. that shouldn't stop you from using them however.

Well it won't stop me from using either the rims or the tires for now, because that is what I have. Just hoping the tire will be easier to deal with once the have been on the wheels for a bit.

ok The Schwalbe Marathon plus went on much easier then the conti ultra sports. The were still a bit difficult , but not nearly as bad as the ultra sports. The ride seems fine too. Although just a short test ride so far.

The Schwalbe Marathon plus (700c32c) are so much taller then the old wheel/tire combo (27x1 1/4 Serfas tires) that I had to take of the reflector that was bolted on the rear rack.