Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
It's older tech. What do you expect?
If the hops are around the valve stem, it's likely because some of the base tape is bunched up around the base of the valve stem and lifting that section of tire. This can be fixed. There's the possibility that this is a variance in case diameter. That can't be fixed. It might be just a bunchup of glue or the tire is not mounted evenly. This will work itself out as you roll on it.
Also, I really doubt you can feel the hop on the road. Rollers: yes, road; I find that unlikely. I think you see the hop, you know it's there, and you get the phantom feels. I would ride it a while. 3mm hops are not going to be an issue at all out on the road. Even at 40mph going downhill. It might just work itself out.
You buy a tire like an FMB because of the supple case. These are handmade tires; there will be variances. If you want a machine built, perfectly perfect tire, go with Continental or Vittoria. The casing on those won't be as supple as the FMB, but they are much more uniform.
Thanks Brian, you sound like a voice of reason. The hops are not at the valve stem, which I thought was a good thing. Like I said, on the front tire anyways it's about a quarter of the way around from the valve stem. I hope it's not tire defect/variance - I spent extravagantly on these! (buyer's remorse?) Since it's my first time, I'm hoping it's a mounting imperfection - as much as a pain as that would be to fix. I had a couple big lateral wobbles after mounting that I had to correct, which I did by lifting the tire off the rim in that area and setting it back down straight. I did that a few times and the glue was already getting stiff. Maybe that lifting and resetting removed the lateral wobbles but created hops?
It would be great if this worked itself out by riding it. In the week since mounting them I went a two short rides (about 30 miles total) and haven't noticed an improvement but do you think a couple weeks and a couple hundred more miles will make a difference? The weather will be warm.
Ok interesting about the FMBs. I decided to splurge, figuring what the heck if I'm going tubular for the feel I may as well do it right and get that supple casing. Maybe I am getting the phantom feels. I've never tried to feel for a hop before - so I don't really know the difference. I suppose since these are supple tires and 27s - they actually measure closer to 29mm inflated - and I'm running the rear at <90psi, that these would soak up hops better than a skinny tire at 120psi. Still I don't like the idea of having so much variance out of round for my premium wheels! 1mm, ok, maybe 2. 3+ seems like a lot.