Originally Posted by Psimet2001

The white waxy stuff is mold release. It won't harm the tires grip or performance. it is on there to keep the tire from sticking to the inside of the mold while making them.

Good on the width. The 27mm 25's were getting old. I had way too many frame clearance problems using them and could only use them on cross bikes. Finally a good 25mm tire instead of Conti.

The tight bead - every tire will be getting tighter. Sorry. Customers are asking more and more for setups they can use as tubeless because they read on some forum that tubeless was better. Result - tires and rims with tighter fitting beads and hook systems. It will never go back the other way.