Is my rim too thin?

I just tried to move over my tire to a new front wheel. However, when I pump the inner tube up there is this massive bulge near the valve. I tried a two inner tubes - a Specialised and Decathlon one. Both times it seems that the (Presta) valve is too big and doesn't allow the tire to fit snugly against the rim.

Are there different rim widths? Is it just a shit rim? I got it as a freebie. Maybe that's why.

did you unscrew the valve nut before putting the tube in?

yes there are different width rims.. The tire should have it's size on it on the side wall.

is the tyre set deep in the rim?
is the tube inside the tyre?
is the tube pinched between the rim and the tyre?

Pump the tire a little, push the valve into the tire with the pump head and hold the tire down whilst pumping up further. Once firmish, carry on pumping as normal.

is there a gremlin in the pump?

Hmm, I tried all this. Didn't work.

I will bring the wheel to one of the drinks for confirmation of one of the following

a) I am too stupid to put a tire in.
b) This rim/valve combination is somehow funky.

Cheers for the quick responses.

i'm betting a) . anyone else?!?

I'm guessing a) as well

I had this problem for a bit. Sounds like you havent got the valve and tube inside the tyre properly as said up there. I found a tiny bit of grease inside the tyre by the valve helped it all pop into place easier.

Try a wee bit of chalk dust instead. grease + rubber is not a good mix.

Hmm, I tried all this. Didn't work.

I will bring the wheel to one of the drinks for confirmation of one of the following

a) I am too stupid to put a tire in.
b) This rim/valve combination is somehow funky.

Cheers for the quick responses.
If a, which seems to be the odds on favourite with bookmakers at the moment, then do you really want to turn up at drinks and have it confirmed in front of a captive audience? It sounds like the tyre hasn't seated on the rim properly. Have you tried pushing the valve back into the tyre, which should seat the tyre? Also read through this;

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100

I'll be generous and suggest that the answer is c) Your tire is fucked or has a knackered bead (fucked).

i say youre cursed, go see a shaman or other professional and it should be sorted

feed tire

Have you tried pushing the valve back into the tyre, which should seat the tyre?

This was the winning answer! I pushed the valve back into the tire rather than harder against the rim. This saves me a massive embarrassment. Would have been a hoot though.

Thanks for everyone who had faith in me... well, that would be nobody. I guess that's live.

Do I win a prize? ;-)

P.S. Glad you got it sorted.

Do I win a prize? ;-)

Gah, that's what I said.

Curse you and your charming eloquence.

Shit, andyp, can you Paypal me the money back please. I'll have to give it to The Seldom Killer. He was indeed first! I will give you a furry soft toy as a consolation prize. I have a flamingo, a hyena and a stag beetle. Which one do you want?