Got a pinch flat on the way home today (my fault, pressure was too low) and after patching, I hosed up the valve stem with a little too vigorous pumping with the frame pump - at any rate, I had to make the call of shame because I had no other tube on me.

After I got home and repaired the tire, inflated it to pressure and mounted the (rear) tire, I noticed that the surface is lumpy on the inflated tire.

Specialized Armadillos, ~ 1K miles. Front tire looks great. Didn't notice the lumps in the ride, although I probably will manufacture some "noticeable" ride effects now that I know about it.

I was hopeful for the price I paid, that I could get a couple thousand miles out of these tires - curious if anyone else has experienced this lumpy tire crown issue with these or other tires? I can post a photo if you'd like to see to diagnose - i figured it would be common enough, but if visual evidence is required, I can do it.

It sort of looks like the tire has a case of "cottage cheese" cellulite . .

thanks in advance for your time

Is it near the site of the pinch flat? I've had problems with some other tires (never an Armadillo, at least yet) with cords breaking, often in the sidewalls, which sometimes leads to a blowout. If you take the tire off, check the inside carefully to see if you cut some of the cords where you pinch-flatted. You may be able to boot the tire if that's the case; get a FedEx envelope (or similar), and use tire patching glue to attach a piece of that envelope over the cuts.

I thought this was going to be a roadkill thread.

Is this the tread surface or sidewall (or both) that is lumpy?

The lumps are on the tread surface, and are distributed across the entire circumference of the tire.

rode the bike to work today without incident - tire holds pressure fine.

I may take it off and do a visual inspection of the cords to see if any have popped - will also take it to the LBS where purchased and ask there.

zman