Is my Tyre ruined? (Pics)

[united4ever]

Had a head on collision with another cyclist today on a tight bend on cycle path. Both of us were ok thankfully but I wonder about my tyre. Had a puncture on front wheel straight away from the collision and changed tyre but noticed the sidewall is damaged (see pics). The damage seems only to be to the outer part of the tyre though - when I peel back the flap it doesn't expose the inner tube and the inner side of the tyre appears fine. It's a Marathon (regular tyre). Should I replace it or will it be ok? Otherwise just my front reflector was shattered.

 

[Globalti]

Swap the tyre to the back wheel and carry on riding. If you're still worried, pump the tyre up to 10% over the recommended pressure to check it.

 

[User16625]

Had a head on collision with another cyclist today on a tight bend on cycle path. Both of us were ok thankfully but I wonder about my tyre. Had a puncture on front wheel straight away from the collision and changed tyre but noticed the sidewall is damaged (see pics). The damage seems only to be to the outer part of the tyre though - when I peel back the flap it doesn't expose the inner tube and the inner side of the tyre appears fine. It's a Marathon (regular tyre). Should I replace it or will it be ok? Otherwise just my front reflector was shattered.

When you say you changed the tyre, do you mean you purchased a new one? If so send it back for replacement/refund.

Personally I would change a tyre with that sort of damage just for piece of mind if not anything else. Looks quite deep.

 

[united4ever]

oops, meant changed inner tube, not tyre!

 

[shouldbeinbed]

You could close the gap with rubber solution and for peace of mind put a shim inside the tyre a couple of inches in either direction to help save a major blowout if it does go at that spot.

 

[byegad]

If you felt the need to ask I'd suggest being on the safe side and replacing it.

 

[Mrs M]

I'd replace.
Better safe than sorry.

 

[S_t_e_v_e]

I'd superglue it with loctite power flex and see how it holds. Done that a few times on Marathon Pluses to get some more miles out the tyre.

 

[ianrauk]

Its the sidewall, probably the weakest part of the tyre. I would change.

 

[Tim Hall]

I wouldn't be so sure the damage was caused by the collision though. What sort of puncture did you get in the inner tube? Snakebite (two holes close to each other) would suggest the puncture was caused by a too low a pressure tyre hitting a hard object (the other bike). Is the cut in the tyre new and clean?

 

[united4ever]

Never noticed any damage before. To be honest when i changed the inner tube it was pouring down so i didnt examine the inner tube closely to identify what caused it. Just assumed it was caused in the crash so wasnt thinking there was glass in the tyre etc and just wanted to get to work asap. Could have been there before i suppose but cannot think of any scrapes or incidents that may have caused it.

 

[fossyant]

Check the tube !

 

[Yellow Saddle]

It looks like cosmetic damage. If the cords in the casing are not cut and the tyre doesn't bulge, ride it.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I wouldn't ride with a tyre with any damage on the side wall.