Gatorskins (non-foldable) seem to be in this category for some. I have strong hands, so I can mount them. But I do recall reading reviews that some had problems mounting them.
But like I've said elsewhere, I'm 5'11", 225# with a 50" chest and 37" waist. No problems mounting tires AND I'm the guy everyone wants to "wheel suck" in the windy parts as I punch a big hole in the wind.
To all those chastising the OP for going to his LBS to have the tire mounted, we don't know if it was closer than home, or he just wanted things checked out due to the violence of the explosion.
Unless you were on the ride with him, how can you judge the choice he made?
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
I worked in a bike shop extensively when younger and one thing you learned quickly is that bicycle tires vary--a lot--in how tight they are on the rim, even when sized correctly, even within the same brand. Once in awhile you would get one that was just so loose we'd trash it rather than sell it to a customer and risk someone getting hurt, and once in awhile we'd get one that was so tight it would take two people to get it on the rim. Not surprisingly, we found that cheap tires often found on cheap bikes were the most variable and you would occasionally see just what you show above. In general, tires should be able to handle 10psi extra or so, but it is safest to view the max psi as just that, maximum. Keep in mind that if you pump them to say 65 psi then ride the bike in the blazing sun on blacktop chances are very good they will run over pressure anyway.