Tyre fitting unevenly

Birka

Hi,

My tyres are not seating evenly and I’m looking for opinions as to why that is. The wheels are aluminium, 24mm internal with mini hook design (Scribe). They are set up for tubeless but I’m running tubes. I’ve fitted Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tubeless 32mm tyres and tubes for tyres up to that width. The tyres says that it’s not compatible with hookless rims. The unevenness increases over time giving the impression that the tyre will come off the rim eventually. I’ve tried refitting and inflation/deflation and the tyre always fits unevenly.

Do I need to replace the rim tape with standard tape or is there a compatibility issue with the tyres and rims?

Wishbone Ash

Is it lifting up in the same area or different areas?

If it's one area only tighten a cable tie around the wheel and tyre (when half inflated) and then inflate further. It might do the trick.

ninoon

I cant comment on your particular tyre wheel combination but this same uneven seating happened to me last week, 32 mm tubeless tyre on a 24 mm int Roval wheel. Several attempts deflating and moving both tyre beads to the centre of the rim and inflate. Finally seated ok.

nicksnikita

As above, with tube deflated, try to move both beads to the centre of the rim bed before re-inflating.
If that fails, try inflating a small bit (maybe 10 or 15psi..maybe more or maybe less depending on your setup) and roll the wheel around the room with your weight pressing down on it

magicbastarder

yep, it's that the 'hook' on the tyre profile is not hooking into the rim - i use a similar approach to nicksnikita; pump to about 20 psi which is enough to create enough pressure that when you pinch the tyre, it'll allow the pressure to push the tyre outwards and seat the hook.

Birka

thanks for all the responses. I’ve tried moving the bead to the middle and reinflating. The unevenness isn’t consistent in terms of location so I guess that rules out the rim tape as a contributing factor. I also tried partial inflation and riding the bike but the unevenness remains.

I did notice that the high areas are where the tyre has hooked into the rim and the low areas are where the tyre comes away from the rim easily. I’ve tried overinflating the tyre to try and push the tyre out to seat it properly but it’s made no difference. I can try riding it in the hope that it’ll all come good but it’s a bumpy ride at the moment.

magicbastarder

another thing to try is water with a bit of soap in it; it can sometimes provide just enough lubrication for the tyre to slide into place.

gmacww

If you’re using it with a tube try the old shop trick. Use it every time myself. Small bit of soapy water and an old paintbrush. Deflate, push the bead into the center and paint the inside of the rim anf tire bead where it won’t hook. Can even do the entire wheel. Inflate fast to a high pressure with a track pump. You can properly adjust pressure after.

Birka

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123577074#Comment_123577074

Thanks - I’m going to remove the tyres completely tomorrow and start from scratch so I’ll try soap and water

nicksnikita

I wouldn’t ride it anyway..until you get it sorted

magicbastarder

I've done it a couple of times after changing a tube at the side of the road. Worst if it's the rear tyre, you get a knocking on the arse. But yeah, if you're at home, get it sorted properly.

Birka

Thanks again, I’m on holiday in France which limits my options and available time but I’m hoping to get to it tomorrow. I’m reluctant to do any decent spins in case I get stranded.

Birka

Finally, success! The soapy water worked a treat although I had to use neat soap on one part of each tyre which just wouldn’t seat along with inflating the tyre to what seemed like too much pressure.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions

Paddigol

Great that you're sorted. Had a similar seating issue with the N.ext tyres on carbon rims a few years back, I slowly increased the pressure towards/ just above max recommended setting with a track pump until I heard the tyre popping into place. For one of tyres after inflating just above max recommended pressure I left the wheel sitting there for a few mins until I heard the pop. Sounds like yours was a different problem though.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123580502#Comment_123580502

I always use neat liquid, just works better.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123581365#Comment_123581365

Same issue, different solutions.

this.lad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123587985#Comment_123587985

If you're using it neat, is it still a solution?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123597074#Comment_123597074

Well played, but yes, it is still a solution.

Birka

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123597074#Comment_123597074

if it works it’s definitely a solution 🙂