Bulging tire

[rod1148]

Sounds like a silly question for someone riding as long as I have but, after I've repaired my tire and aired it and replaced in on the bike I've noticed a slight bulge away from the rim. I don't think I've over inflated it but it's possible. Is it best to remove it from the bike and start over? Or can I deflate it and reinflate it while it's still on the bike? It's rear tire and taking the thing off without access to a workstand is a pain. What's the best way to avoid this situation?
Thanks. for any advice.

[BIKEGUY]

I could be wrong,but it sounds to me like either your tube is twisted or pinched or else the actual tire lip might be torn. Another possibility is that you tire is not seated correctly.
To fix it...first inspect the very edge of the tire itself as tears will be very apparent. If thats not the problem you can take the tube out and all of that without taking the tire off but I don't recommend it.
Try this instead - there is an easy way to remove your tire even without a stand; simply raise the seat as high as it will go and turn the bike upside down and set on the ground this way. As for reinstalling the tube its best to have the "tire"properly seated on one side first, then you want to partially inflate the "tube" enough to the point where the tube just barely has its form, and before you fully inflate the tire, while its just barely shy of being fully inflated, make sure the tire itself is properly seated on both sides.
You do this by starting at the stem with one hand on each side and while working both hand away from the stem push the tire away and pull it back to you. Repeat this, moving your hands over a few inches until you've made it all the way around. Doing so will hopefully avoid the bulge you experienced. Of course the the best place to start inserting the tube is at the stem... Hope this helps.
BIKEGUY

[rod1148]

Thanks, Bikeguy. I think it was that I just didn't have the tire properly seated in the first place. I deflated it and pushed the "bulged area" back. I reinflated the tire slowly and it seems to be staying in place now. Glad I found this website and forum as we no longer have a LBS here in town.<br />
Rod