Bulge in my front tire

[Yogesh N. Rao]

Hello Group, I have a Hero Octane NV. My front tire appears to have
developed a bulge. The rim appears to be properly circular (i.e.
true), it is just the tire that bulges out.

My local bicycle mechanic says this is not a problem. What do you guys
think? Should I get a new tire and tube?

Thanks,
Yogesh.

[Shreelesh Kumar]

For regular on-road riding a small bulge wouldn't do much harm I guess but it obviously means that the tyre has developed a 'soft spot.' It could weaken further. I had it once on my BSA SLR and the mechanic cut a piece of an old tyre and placed it inside between the tyre and the tube at the area of the bulge to strengthen the area but such an arrangement makes the ride a bit unsmooth. With each revolution, you might feel a slight bump when the patched up area passes the road. I rode like that for a few months and changed to a new tyre later. But other than the bump, I didn't have any further problems.

2009/6/25 Yogesh N. Rao <yna...@gmail.com>

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[Bhabani Sankar Mishra]

The rim might not be laterally bent but it might have become oval in shape. 

Just take out the rim once and measure the dimension at quarters to see if it's perfectly circular.

[Mayank]

I had a bulge once since the tyre was not laid correcty and I got a pressure of 50. Reduced the pressure fit the tyre again and all was fine. If it is fit properly then it cud be a soft spot like Shreelesh said. I had got that for my motorbyke - reason being I had dragged the byke quite some distance when I had flat...

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[Deepa Mohan]

On Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 9:36 PM, Yogesh N. Rao <yna...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Group, I have a Hero Octane NV. My front tire appears to have
developed a bulge. The rim appears to be properly circular (i.e.
true), it is just the tire that bulges out.

I am following this thread and just as in medicine, preventive diagnosis is so much better and cheaper than correcting a problem! I am glad, Yogesh, that you have been so observant. How do you notice the bulge when you are riding? I really can't. Or does it bulge even when you are not riding the byke?

Actually, cycling HELPS with the bulge of the middle tyre (of the rider).... :D

Cheers, Deepa.

[Yogesh N. Rao]

I guess I noticed the bulge because of its showing up in the front
tire. When you bicycle, your peripheral vision normally observes the
handle bar and the front tire jutting out of the handle bar
perpendicularly. The bulge is like an eye-sore in your peripheral
vision.

Yes, the middle tier has been greatly helped by bicycling :-)

I guess the best thing to do is to replace the front tire and tube. Do
folks here know what is a good quality Indian brand tire to buy and
how much it would cost? Also, where can I buy a genuine tire, Madras
Cycles?

Thanks!

[Vishy]

Good thought Yogesh. Its better to change the tire and tube, than
trying to fix it (and later finding problem in the same spot).
In my old Hercules, I had Bedrock tires and tubes (front and rear) and
it was pretty strong and had good road-grip.
Just surf couple of cycle-showroom's in and around your locality or
the usual Townhall jn., am sure you'll come across better
tire / tire company's.
Good luck and get back on safe wheels.

Cheers!!

[Yogesh N. Rao]

I unfortunately do not have time to get the tires replaced before my
ride to Nandi Hills tomorrow. Do you think it is OK to ride if I
deflate my tires sufficiently?

[Vishy]

Well, thtz a good question. If I were to be in your place, I would
first fix my tire and then would take the bike on road.

I very well remember my college days, I had a similar 'egg' shape in
my rear tire. I check'd with local cycle-wala, and he
gave some gyaan (which later turned out to be bakwas). I rode it to
my college, and by noon or so, took out the bike to get
back home. I just crossed couple blocks and there was a blast in my
rear wheel, and rear tire was ripped off, as if it was
slit open with a knife.
That day I decided, 'not to ride with an egg in the tires'.

Have a thorough check, before doing a long ride. Carry a spare tube
and tire, till the time you replace your tire's.

Cheers!!

[Vasu]

Yogesh,

Any reason you cant/wont replace your tyre??

vasu

--
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.

[rushi]

Man, you guys are worrying about a bulge, I've grown a whole new tire.
Some of it will be gone on Sunday, hopefully..

Sorry. Friday night :)

[Yogesh N. Rao]

I do wish to replace the tire. Just did not get the time today :-( I
am driving to Nandi and hoping others come with spare.