I just fitted a WTB Ranger 2.0 x 29 and the sidewall has instructions to refer to the user manual before use. I couldn't find a specific manual for that tyre, but there is a generic one on the WTB website. It says that spoke tension should be checked before every ride. I have never done this. Will I die?
Wonder if that's where they tell you the sidewall is made of porous cheese. Edit: on the 650b+ Light Fast Rolling versions.
You may have been using a non-WTB rim. Their instructions are specifically for fitting tyres to WTB rims.
However, if the tyre explodes, it's probably user error:
Always check your tires for tire bead and tire sidewall fraying or
damage. If either is damaged, see WARNING at Section 2(a).
2(a) Maintenance
Before every ride, check the tires for excess wear, cracking, cuts or bruises. Spin each wheel slowly and
look for cuts in the tread and cuts or bulges in the sidewall. Check the wheel rims for any signs of damage:
dents, wobbles, bulges, cracks, deformation.
Do not ride a bike with a damaged tire or rim. Riding a damaged tire or rim may lead to
sudden tire deflation. Sudden tire deflation can cause loss of control, resulting in serious injury or
death. Replace damaged tires and rims before riding the bike.
Before every ride, check the tire pressure of both tires. The tire’s pressure rating is marked on the sidewall.
Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure, or ride a tire with less than the
minimum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall. Exceeding the recommended maximum or minimum
pressure may cause tire failure. Tire deflation can cause loss of control, resulting in serious injury or
death.
The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump which has a
built-in pressure gauge.
There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air compressors. They are
not made for bicycle tires. They move a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in
your tire very rapidly, which could cause the tube to explode or the tire to seat improperly.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a tire performs under
different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum
recommended pressure gives the lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High
pressures work best on smooth, dry pavement.
Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give the best performance on
smooth, slick terrain such as hard-packed clay, and on deep, loose surfaces such as deep, dry sand.
Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can cause a
puncture of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner tube between the rim
and the riding surface, causing sudden tire deflation. Sudden tire deflation can cause loss of control,
WTB Tire User’s Manual for all WTB Tires (ver. 52410) Page 25 of 27
resulting in serious injury or death. Replace damaged tires and rims before riding the bike.
CAUTION: Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be inaccurate and should not be relied upon for
consistent, accurate pressure readings. Instead, use a high quality digital or dial gauge
