The tire was sent open, not in the box. As a result of either transportation or storage in a warehouse, the tire is crushed in the middle. It does not expand to touch the inflation side of the wheel. I used a ratchet to squeeze the tire in the middle so it would expand like I did with the front wheel and not get near the edge. If the V-groove around the center wasn't so deep it would work. but if two sides touch when the tire is on the ground on one side, it is not possible to make it wide enough to touch the rim on both sides. I've never had problems like this changing Carlisle tires. I spent over two hours fitting this tire on two different days. I can either return the tire or buy a tube to expand it. I could have just bought an inner tube to start with but wanted the security of a new tyre. I hope this is an isolated case. To be clear, if I attach one side of the tire to one side of the wheel and flip it over, the other side of the tire is at least four inches from the side of the wheel. As soon as I try to expand the tire in that direction, it comes loose on the other side.