Originally Posted by
FlMTNdude
I don't think I have ever inflated a brand new tube before it has been installed. However, after a patch is a different story. I have seen where the 'weld', or casting seam I guess, on the rubber doesn't quite inflate the way everything else does along with the patched area. I would ride it, doesn't phase me a bit. The tire and rim is going to dictate shape in the end.
I've read many customer reviews of different tubes from different manufactures and on different retail websites saying that they came with punctures straight out the box. So I thought it won't do me any harm to inflate it before I chuck it into my bag and hit the road.
Thanks for confirming that it's normal for the tubes to inflate to different shapes though. I agree they should be fine once between the rim and the tyre.