Help a newbie with a tyre problem

[hobbitonabike]

I recently replaced my tyres for same that were on the bike when I got it. (Schwalbe Duranos) but with blue on that matched my bike. I didn't notice anything untoward at first but on a ride the front tyre caught my eye as if it was wobbling. My first reaction was that the stripes on the tyre weren't printed straight and that is what was giving it its wobble. When I got back I ran my fingers round the tyre and there seems to be a kink. I have checked the inner tube and all seems fine there but when I have put the tyre back on the kink is still there. I am a newbie to all this so can anyone tell me what is causing it and is it a problem? I have put sone pics on this post. Not sure how much help they will be. Thanks.

 

[lejogger]

I would suggest removing the tyre and tube, and checking that all is ok with the rim. It may be that the tyre isn't seated properly on the rim, or that there is a fault in the tube.

If it still doesn't look ok when you try again I'd take them back to the shop.

I had a bit of a bulge once in a Schwalbe Marathon, and I have always blamed it for a nasty off on a fast corner. I immediately replaced it as you don't really need that doubt in your mind when tyres are your only contact with the road, you need to have complete confidence in them.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Have already checked the tyre, tube and rim and all seem fine. The kink only appears when all put together and inflated. I got the tyre from wiggle. Might nip to my lbs and see what they think. Will be passing there on friday. Thanks for the reply! :-)

 

[lejogger]

It is very difficult to tell from the photos whether it is just the blue strip that's not on straight, or if there is a defect in the tyre. Have you put your bike on a workstand and viewed whether there is any inconsistency in the shape of the tyre from behind when it's spinning?

 

[hobbitonabike]

Nope I don't have one. You can feel a kink if you run your fingers round it though.

 

[lejogger]

Then (shhh don't tell anyone I said this) but put your bike upside down (make sure you protect the saddle and hoods if doing outside).

Then spin whichever wheel has the problem (looks like the front) and perch yourself right in front. Place your eye level with the tyre on the side that has the problem and concentrate on a reference point while the wheel is spinning - i.e the gap between the rubber and the forks to see if there is any sideways movement.

It's the same way that you would check for a buckle in the wheel, but you're focussing on the tyre.

a) If there's a wobble from the rubber but the rim is staying straight then it looks like a defective tyre.
b) If there's a wobble from everything then you need your wheel re-truing.
c) If there's a wobble from the blue strip but the outer black edge of the tyre is remaining true then it's just a wonky blue strip.

If a) contact Wiggle and arrange a replacement.
If b) go to your LBS
If c) You'll probably be ok, but same as a) if it's bugging you.

 

[fossyant]

That looks like a faulty tyre to me.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Have took a couple closer uo and if you look at the 'pimples' on one side they are more stretched apart than the other. Would this point towards a faulty tyre? Bugger think threw tyre paperwork out.

 

[lejogger]

That looks like a faulty tyre to me.

The more I look at it the more I agree, but the outer edge seems to stay straight while the strip deviates.
Either way, if it were me I would arrange an exchange just to be on the safe side.

 

[lejogger]

Have took a couple closer uo and if you look at the 'pimples' on one side they are more stretched apart than the other. Would this point towards a faulty tyre? Bugger think threw tyre paperwork out.

All your order history will be on your Wiggle account online. Just log in and arrange the return through there.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Have tried to take a wide shot (sorry about the snoozing mutt in the background and my legs lol). At either end the middle black strip is thinner and consistant but in the middle it is thicker and bumpy. Think I will have to arrange a return as am presuming it would not be sensivle to keep using it.

 

[lejogger]

Have tried to take a wide shot (sorry about the snoozing mutt in the background and my legs lol). At either end the middle black strip is thinner and consistant but in the middle it is thicker and bumpy. Think I will have to arrange a return as am presuming it would not be sensivle to keep using it.

I can definitely see what you mean there albeit still difficult to tell whether it's the overall tyre structure or just the strips.

Personally I would return it and would try not to use it in the meantime - it's not worth the risk even in good conditions, and it's not fun to be riding a tyre you've got concerns about.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Thank you for the advice. I will contact Wiggle for an exchange. Think you are right. Not worth the risk.

 

[fossyant]

Deffo knackered. I wouldn't ride with it like that, wobbly strip or not.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Thanks guys. :-)