fuzzie1

Just mounted 2 brand new 26" schwalbe big apples on my bike. Problem I have is these new tires are not running true. I've let the air out ,massaged the tires several times, beads are seated properly. Right now I've have them sitting at 50 psi hoping to stretch them into shape.

Anything else I might be able to try, don't want to return them... got them off flea bay...free shipping... took over a week .

Eric S.

I don't think tires are as good (or consistent) as they used to be. I've found that quite a few tires don't run "true" and I don't think it used to be a problem.

It's not terribly important because the tire flattens out a bit under weight, but it still bugs me.

I recently bought some Kenda 26" tires for my commuter and one of them had a bulge, but like you, I got them so cheap on eBay with free shipping that returning it was not cost effective.

Papa Tom

I had a similar problem with my Schwalbe Big Apples. The way it was explained to me is that, when a fat tire like that sits on a rim that's too narrow, the rubber will actually shift from side to side as you are riding, producing that "out-of-true" effect. This is more common when you're running at a lower psi. I did not want to go to the expense of swapping out my rims, so now have them at about 45psi and they feel better. At this pressure, though, you sort of lose the cushiony effect of the fat tire.

FBinNY 

Wide tires on narrow rims can be problematic. That combination doesn't give the rim enough control over the circular section of the tire.

To understand why, imagine holding a hula hoop while someone tugs at it from the side. If you put your hands close together, you can't resist the tugs well, so you spread your hands to get some leverage and control.

Likewise with the tire. When the rim is comparatively wide it can hold the tire rigidly in line. But when it's narrow, it has little control, so small imperfections in the tire can easily throw it off. Sometimes these are from how it was stored between when it was made until you bought it, and if so, the wobble may resolve or improve as you ride it. Otherwise, the only remedy is lots of trial and error massaging of the tire on the rim, for super precise seating, and even then it may be no go.

Shahmatt

Had a similar problem with a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Greenguards. Replaced both with Kojaks. But taking them off the rim was a painful experience for my thumbs.

fuzzie1

I know it won't effect anything, as I'm not going for a land speed record, it's just a crusier. It just annoys me to be able to watch the tire wobble , when the cheap O.E. ran real true.

CliffordK

Most tires have some kind of a bead indicator for the first 3/8" or so along the bead. Make sure that it is uniform going around the rim. If not, then the tire could be seated poorly, or perhaps have a tube trapped under the tire.

This, of course, assumes that the wheel/rim is true to begin with, without the tire on the rim.

leob1

I have the same issue with the tires on my 29er. I tried deflating, and makeing sure the tube wasn't twisted. I can't feel it, but seeing the tire out of true drives me nuts.

CharlieC

I have the 622 Big Bens which are very similar. How much wobble are you talking about? I have slight run out on my front (can't see the back) and never thought it was not normal. I can see it while I ride and, sure, it would be nice if it was arrow straight. I don't think that can happen with a large tire?

I do 50psi and they usually run down to about 40psi after a couple weeks and then i put them back up to 50. If I go down into the 30's they feel "sloppy". At 50, they still feel "absorbent".

Here is a video of my front tire. I can't feel this run out at all. is yours much worse than this?:

https://1drv.ms/1Lbixz1

FBinNY 

If you're bothered by wobbly tires that aren't bad enough to affect the ride, the remedy isn't to fix the tires. The right remedy is to find the tools to manage your OCD.

ThermionicScott 

I think there is an explanation for this seeming paradox. Higher-quality tires tend to have thinner, more supple sidewalls for a better ride and lower rolling resistance. Unless the bead is also tight, this can make them more fiddly to mount straight. On the other hand, cheaper tires with thicker, stiffer sidewalls will tend to hold their shape better while mounting, so you can just toss them on and air them up and will probably end up straight without much fuss. In the end, I think the ride of the better tires is worth the extra care needed in mounting them.

Leebo

Is your rim tape even? Try this. I use it for stubborn mt bike tires. Get tire and tube on rim with just enough air to inflate the tube. Get a soapy sponge and put lots of soapy suds on the tire bead. Lots. Inflate with air compressor. This sometimes helps to center the tire. Do not put on the presta nut until after the tire is inflated.

Tim_Iowa

If there's that much wobble, either:
A) the tire isn't seated fully -- use dish soap on the bead to help it settle while inflating
B) the tire is defective -- if the tire is uneven, get it replaced

fuzzie1

That's how mine look