Fixing a tire-Advice sought
#1
Lincoln, CA
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Fixing a tire-Advice sought
I had one of those "hissing" blowouts yesterday. Couldn't find anything in the tube or tire when I changed the tube. Took a short ride this morning with no problems. I later noticed a cut in the sidewall (about 1/8 inch) with the tube pooching out in a little bubble. I will replace the tire, but it's a Continental Ultra Gator Skin with only 846 miles on it (Yes. I keep track). I have a friend who fixed such a cut with a regular tube patch'n'glue. Any better suggestions? I am looking to keep the tire as an emergency tire only. Thanks.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
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'01 Bianchi Eros
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Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#2
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I only average 1 or 2 flats per year but one of those, on average, involves a sidewall cut serious enough that I replace the tire.
My rule of thumb is if you can't feel a blister or a bump on the outside of the tire when the inner tube is fully inflated, then the tire cords haven't been compromised. Put a piece of duck tape or something on the inside to hold the inner tube and you'll be OK.
My rule of thumb is if you can't feel a blister or a bump on the outside of the tire when the inner tube is fully inflated, then the tire cords haven't been compromised. Put a piece of duck tape or something on the inside to hold the inner tube and you'll be OK.
#3
Lincoln, CA
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UPDATEI just got back from my LBS. As mentioned, I replaced the tire, but he gave me a "Park Tool Emergency Tire Boot" to try. He hopes I will use it, like it and tell all my friends. It appears to be just a sticky piece of film to stick on the inside of the tire. I may not use that tire again for a few months, but we will see.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#4
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Tubeless...the only way to go. But I ride a cross/hybrid with 700 x 38's, street treads.
#5
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UPDATE #2 I have installed the boot in the tire. It is a piece of vinyl with a sticky back. It was about the size of a credit card, so I cut it in half for the small cut I had. I think if one was on the road and had a larger gash, the stickiness might actually help to hold the tire together. I put one in my patch kit I carry.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#6
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I'd be real interested in know how it works, should you ever use that tire again.
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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
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One or two layers of inner tube will also work well as a boot for a "standby" tire depending on the size of rip. Good to carry a few such rectangles in your saddle bag if buying store-bought boots offends recycling concerns. They work just fine.
**I used the lightly card-boardish bottom of a Hostess twinkie package I found on the roadside once...got me home. A friend similarly used a gum wrapper as boot. True minimalists! LOL.
**I used the lightly card-boardish bottom of a Hostess twinkie package I found on the roadside once...got me home. A friend similarly used a gum wrapper as boot. True minimalists! LOL.
#8
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A dollar bill works in an emergency.
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Every now and then you will see a carcass of a truck tire on the side of the road.
With the tire, you will also see a truck tube.
Pick it up and cut your own inner liner from the tube.
These tubes are just a little thicker than a bike tube.
I carry a few of them in my kit for just the possibility you indicated.
Besides, they are free
With the tire, you will also see a truck tube.
Pick it up and cut your own inner liner from the tube.
These tubes are just a little thicker than a bike tube.
I carry a few of them in my kit for just the possibility you indicated.
Besides, they are free
#10
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A tire boot should be a temporary repair only--just to get you home. If you go riding on a tire that has a cut in the sidewall, you run the risk of another flat, possibly a blow-out if the boot fails or the gash gets bigger. Your tires keep you upright and in control. They are worth the money you spend on them. Don't risk crashing and injuring yourself by riding on a damaged tire.
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#11
just keep riding
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Hey pinhead, are you having fun yet?
#12
Senior Member
Originally Posted by BluesDawg
A dollar bill works in an emergency.
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Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
#13
Senior Member
Hey, that's pretty slick. The powers that be just kept me from making a duplicate post. Whatever it takes from making me look dumb is okay with me.
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Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.