maartendc

Hello all,

I am trying to seat a WTB Resolute 42x700C gravel tire on to a Bontrager tubeless ready rim (disc wheel).

The tire seems to want to 'dip' in one spot, indicating the tire bead is not seated properly. Usually on my road bike I would solve this by inflating the tire to like 100 psi, and it would pop into place. However., this tire is rated at 50 psi MAX. So I am unsure how high I can pressurize it before I run into any problems? I tried pumping it up to 70 psi already, to no avail.

What is the max pressure I can safely pump it up to (to seat the tire, not to ride it)?
Other things I should try?

Thanks!

WhyFi

Did you try lubing things up a bit? I usually spray a bit of soapy water on the rim bed and beads before seating. With a small problem spot, I'll also pull/twist the bead in to place with my hands on either side of the dip. Hell, sometimes I'll just bang that side of the tire on the ground.

Elvo

Use something with a high volume of air like a compressed air cannister or air compressor

msu2001la

Soapy water will help the bead slip into place. Try spraying down the sidewall in that area.

As for PSI, I don't think I'd push it beyond 70psi, which is quite high for a 42mm tire.

maartendc

Thanks guys, I will try soapy water and see if that helps. I wont go beyond 70 psi then. Thanks!

eduskator

I'd definitively try to put some lube on the bead to help it seat. I've never bothered about exceeding maximum pressure when inflating a tire. I just pump until it pops a few time and then I bounce the wheel on the floor to make sure everything is OK. Did you try to go to 60-70PSI and see if it seats properly? Exceeding the maximum pressure shouldn't damage the tire unless it's extreme...

Iride01 

I wouldn't have an issue going upwards of 150% of the max PSI just to see if it'll seat.

But the closer you get to 150% be careful and fearful. Wear eye protection just in case. Maybe gloves too, but so far I've not had anything but the tires blow off the rim with no damage to the tire. I just remounted them, used more slippery stuff on them, either soapy water or baby powder and was good to go. The tubes didn't survive any attempt and made a really impressively loud noise as it blew.

maartendc

I used some soapy water, gave the whole tire and rim a good soak, and it worked!

I did have to pump it up to about 60-65 PSI before I heard the tire pop into place. I guess with some tire/rim combo's you do have to exceed the max tire pressure to get it to seat properly.

Thanks for the suggestions all!