Trashed my tyre - repairable?

[upandover]

Yesterday towards the end of my ride, I realised I had a slow flat on my tyre (on a busy road I hit a couple of big drainholes), when I thought I was 2 miles from home.

Checking I realised I didn't have my puncture repair kit under the saddle (swapping tyres on my otherbike last week), and so I kept on going. Not completely flat, but not ideal. I get it now - it was stupid. I'd appreciate if you didn't agree with me too much.

Repairing the puncture, and with the tyre back upto 110psi, I now have some cuts in the tyre. About three. The most worrying is bulging slightly, and I can see the tyre lining. I certainly couldn't ride on this.

I'm just about to order another tyre (after only 500 miles on the bike). but wonder, can I do anything to repair the tyre, or is it like a car tyre, and splits can't be mended safely?

Thanks

Steve

 

[gavintc]

That is about it. Cycle tyres are actually quite flimsy apart from the running surface. Don't beat yourself up too much - we all make mistakes and learn from them. I ruined a tyre by placing the brake block too high - won't do that again!

 

[upandover]

Thanks Gavin.

I'll order some more today. I'd rather get a nice pair online (wiggle do a nice pair with Kevlar), but I was planning a 40 mile ride tomorrow.

Could I stick something behind the split to take me through tomorrows ride, or am I likely to come to an unpleasant end!

Thanks

Steve

 

[wlc1]

I wouldn't. Get down your LBS and pick up a new one to see you through
your ride.

The ones you order online can be kept as spares. You'll use them soon enough.

The way I see it - would you drive your car with a very obviously defective tyre ?

 

[andrew_s]

It's quite likely that the tyre cuts were there before your puncture.
If you ride on a tyre that's bulging at a cut, sooner or later it will go bang, probably not at a good time. If there's no bulge it's usually OK.

If you get a cut, the best thing to put behind it is a section cut from an old tyre. Provided that it keeps the tyre from bulging appreciably at the cut, you can ride a fair while with it in place. I've known people reinforce the tyre that way on a tour, and then forget it's in place until the tyre wears out. A section of old tyre is a good thing to keep in with your puncture kit and spare tubes.

 

[upandover]

Thanks Guys, very helpful replies. I'll take the tyre off again and have a good look at it.

Steve

 

[jimboalee]

Upandover.
I see you are in Brum.
I have a couple of Conti UltraGatorSkin 700 x 23 folders in my stores.
If you are desperate, you could buy them off me for the price I paid Ribble.

Send me a private mail if you are interested. £18 each.

 

[upandover]

Thanks Jim,

Really great offer. I won't take you up on it though. I've order some Vittoria Rubino 25's from Wiggle, and will either patch up my tyre for the ride tomorrow, or (I hope not) use my mountain bike.

Thanks again

Steve

 

[jimboalee]

I hope you ordered three. It pays to have a small stores of spare consumables. That includes chains.
I get e-mails off Ribble with some quite good reductions. When something like £38 for Conti GP Force/Attack pair comes along ( like today ), I jump at it, cus they're £54 down the road.

 

[upandover]

Thanks. Actually, I ordered two, but the other tyre is still good, so I will replace both, and have the original as a spare.

I'm only a few months in to commuting etc, and am trying hard not to overspend as I kit myself out!

Thanks for the support, and once again for the offer.

Cheers
Steve