randomgear

I found my rear studded tire flat the other day, when I went to repair it I found an exposed end of the wire bead sticking slightly out of the tire, I ignored it, repaired the tire and rode off. I did notice that the tire came off and on far more easily than it had in the past - it was a very difficult tire to install when I first bought it seven or so years ago.

Later that evening, the tire flatted again, this time I couldn't get the tire to even seat on the rim, it appears to be simply to big to fit. The wire end isn't sticking out anymore and there isn't an apparent break in the bead.

have seen similar issues with other tires seeming to be far too big on people bikes I've tried to repair, but never had the experience first hand and seeing the bead seemingly enlarge.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

SquidPuppet

It may not be apparent, but it's there, somewhere. Time for the recycle bin.

dsbrantjr

The bead wire is broken, dump the tire lest you have the tire blow off of the rim suddenly and the tube explode. Not fun if you happen to be on a fast downhill.

10 Wheels

7 years is way too long to use a tire.

Get a new one.

HillRider

The reason the wire bead end wasn't visible the second time is that the bead had expanded and pulled the exposed end back inside. That's why the tire is now too big to stay on the rim. Scrap it and replace it.

NYMXer

Exactly what I was going to post. A 7 year old tire does not owe you anything and pushing your luck using it will most likely lead to a long walk home. Certainly not worth the price of a new tube and tire (yes, replace both at the same time)

randomgear

Not at all too long; it's a studded tire and barely shows any wear.

That said, it seems we all agree that it's a broken bead and must be replaced. I just wish it wasn't an $85 studded tire. Ouch.

Like I wrote before, I've seen other tires with similar problems when working at neighborhood bike repairdays, but always assumed manufacturers sizing error. Now, I know better. Thanks!

HillRider

It's not just obvious wear that end a tire's useful life. Exposure to light, heat, ozone, etc. all contribute to the rubber's age hardening and eventually cracking or crazing as well as reduced grip and traction.

nfmisso

+++

It is very rare for a bicycle tire to have it's tread wear be the failure mechanism. Our atmosphere is about 20% oxygen, which supports the degradation (aka oxidation, rust, corrosion, ....) of all the materials our bicycle tires are made out of. Further there are other chemicals in our atmosphere that increase the rate of degradation such as sulfur, water, hydrocarbons.

dabac

Before discarding the tire, pull some studs out and save as spares. Losing a couple each season is fairly common, so an easy, already-paid replacement source can be handy to have.
I once cut a discarded studded tire into 8" pieces and brought to a swap meet.
Wrote a sign saying "free spare studs".
Was quite popular.

Pulling all studs is quite a chore. And many would prefer not to save a full tire. But an 8" will fit anywhere, and still hold a decent number of studs.

dsbrantjr

And especially ozone.

rumrunn6

weird coincidence

rumrunn6

answered the questioned I just posted in a new thread

HillRider

Yes, and from the appearance of the sidewalls, a similarly old tire.

rumrunn6

fixed mine once and rode it OK for a cpl miles. got off, took some pics, but as soon as I got on to ride again, BAM! fixed it again but decided to hitch a ride. thanks to this thread I know that was a good decision

randomgear

Coincidence, both of ours are Winter Marathons.

My bead stuck out only about 1/16". Before it disapeared it managed to puncture the tube again; but hey, I made it to my meeting in time, so it worked well enough.