Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Sorry for the continuing "greeness" of me questions.
In any case, I discovered an open wound on my rear tire last night. Bontager Race X Lights. It's not losing any air, but it is an "open" cut maybe? It's pretty small, a few milimeters. Looks like it's maybe as deep as the next layer down.
These tires have zero tread on them, smooth. I wouldn't think twice about this on my mountain tires, or would know what to do. But these roadie parts are still new to me. Curious too with the higher pressure in these things. Also, with these smooth tires, how does one know when it's time to change tires? Check the wear? 900 miles on the tires now.
Anything to worry about? What do I know?
As always,
Thanks
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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The wound depends on depth. The only way to know for sure is to take it off and see if it is through the casing. If it is I'd pitch it. If it is fairly deep I'd pitch it. If it is on the front and either of the above I'd definitely pitch it.
The wear factor is hard. The rear of course goes first. The first thing you will notice easily is the tire feels flat in the middle of the casing and not rounded. Some people ride them until the threads start to show. I do not since my rides always include descents of 35 mph plus. If you tire starts to flat often that also can mean it is wearing out.
Happy riding.
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Allan
journeyman
Reged: 05/04/04
Posts: 198
Loc: Bds,W I
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Nev you can try cleaning the wound with rubber cleaner and putting a bit of good quality super glue in it while holding the wound closed .I find that the Bontrager tyres are a bit more plasticky than rubbery so i'm not sure how durable this repair might be. This fix can effect a satisfactory repair for a while on most small cuts, but if its deep, as Lon said, its best to toss the tyre since its just not worth it to go out and have a failure especially downhill.
For wear issues, the rear tyres usually go first and get a flatened spot on the rolling centre that widens as it wears with more miles.
Usually a 20 profile 700c tyre kept pumped to 120psi, will last about 3000 miles, by which time the flat area is about a half inch wide, slowing you down a bit but still servicable.If in doubt just ask the pros at your LBS what they think.
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Its time to ride.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 721
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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The absolute best thing I've found for repairing cuts on tires is a shoe glue called 'Freesole'. The only place that I've been able to locate it is at a shoe epair store. Freesole is far better that the 'Goop' products I've used in the past. I discovered it last year when I was looking for something to fill the nicks and cuts of my Vittora Open Corsa tires.
Usually cuts and nicks on tires that don't go to the threads aren't fatal, but the open 'wound' can allow something else to kill your tire. Sealing the wound with Freesole can prevent this from happening. The stuff is easy to use and a tube seemingly lasts forever. I took the shoe repair guy's recommendation and keep it in the freezer when not in use.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Dave,
You might want to try the Veloflex Pave. It is made in the old Vittoria Italian Factory. I loved my Open Corsas and lived with cuts and limited mileage. On the recommendation of someone I tried te Veloflex and I will not go back. They ride as well or better, handle as well or better, are lighter, and surpisingly more durable. I bought them from Texas Cyclesport since they had a special. They still do as far as I know. (They are closed for inventory.)
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easypedaler
contributor
Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 149
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I gotta try that freesole...sounds like a good idea. Thanks 
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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This shoe fixing talk reminded my I had some Shoe Goo in a drawer. I filled the hole with that and so far so good. It seemed to get ever so slightly larger each time I road. But its holding now.
I also noticed how the rear tire is getting flat, losing its roundedness. Thanks for the tips all.
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Bruce
contributor
Reged: 12/27/03
Posts: 133
Loc: North of NYC
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Nev,
You don't say where the cut is, but if it is a sidewall cut, you should boot it. I take a small section of a sidewall from an old tire, and cut it to just under 1 inch square, then glue it in, inflate the tire. If you do a good boot, the next time you notice it will be when you replace the tire or it flats.
If the cut is closer to the tread, you should do the same thing if the tube is showing. It may result in a slight bump in the tire. Other material may make a better boot in this case, like duck tape, other reinforced tape, or heavy cloth like canvas, depending on how big the hole is.
I find I just ignore smaller cuts as they tend to be inconsequencial. I have never flated from a previous cut.
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