I am still using Chen Shin tires, they make a lot of the private label tires out there as well. Are Chen Shin great tires? No. Do they make some decent recreational level tires? Yes IMHO. The Nashbar Prima 2 Plus tires that I like a lot are Chen Shins.

+1 to slow inflation. I used to directly inflate tires off my air compressor, and frequently had bead seating issues. Then I went to my floor pump, no more problems.

Recently I converted to one of these, I was tired of pumping. This tool (not cheap) allows me to slowly inflate tires. Of course, in typical thrifty bill fashion, I got mine used from a shop that was closing. I would be hard pressed to spend $83 on this tool.

http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solver.../dp/B001F2Y2U6