malcala622

I purchased a pair of Vittoria Corsa tires last month and noticed one tire has this cut/puncture. Will it hold while riding or simply burst open?. The slice doesnt go all the way thru the tire just on the top surface. What say thee?

canklecat

I've ridden worse than that. Had a set of Schwalbe One V-Guards that were nicked and cut in several places, down to the puncture guard in one place. I booted the worst cuts with a paper-thin Lezyne self-sticking tube patch and kept riding. I checked it before and after every ride to be sure it wasn't creating an avulsion. I finally retired it after a friend gave it the stink-eye during a ride and offered to give me another tire. So I replaced 'em with Continental Ultra Sport II, pretty good cheap tires.

Lezyne self-sticking patch kits also include a more serious tire boot, the card on which the instructions are printed. Great little patch kits, smaller than a credit card and not much thicker.

I still occasionally carry those Schwalbes as spares, strapped to my saddle bag on longer rides. They're still good enough for an emergency tire, and very lightweight.

With your tire I'd check it before, during and after the next few rides to see if the cut/split lengthens along the sipes. If it doesn't worsen the first ride or two it'll probably hold up awhile longer. But I'd boot it as I described with a tube patch.

base2 

If the cords aren't cut, I say go for it.
The rubber in the tread isn't what gives the tire strength.

randyjawa 

That tire is shot, in my opinion. And will it blow? You bet it will, just as this old rubber hoop did on a PX10 one day. It blew with a bang and wobble. Glad it was on the rear or I might have ended up laying the bike down...

SJX426 

I would clean it really well and fill with rubber cement and ride it. I have ridden worse. Randy's example is of a tire that has been around for a looooooong time where the cotton was breaking down. Those tires, ride I would not. Note the checking of the rubber on Randy's example. The tire is failing at the tread level. Although the tread is not considered a significant structural member, it does contribute to the tires ability to flex, protect and incase the casing.

Bianchigirll 

Is that a tubular? If so may as well ride it until it blows.

If it is a clincher a small piece of cardboard, like from a tube box, between the tire and tube might keep you from getting a flat until you get your moneys worth out of it.

randyjawa 

That is true as true can be, However, my point is why take the chance? I knew the tires, on this PX10 to be really old, and in very poor condition. With that in mind, I took it out for a slow test ride, after straightening the frame and fork. What did I learn? Why take the chance with old, or worn, or damaged tires? Too many people depend on me, me included.

bikemig 

I wouldn't take a chance on it. If it blows, it will blow at the worst possible time . . .

Plus with the coronavirus, do you even want to take a small chance that you might need to visit an emergency room right now? Those folks are overworked and stressed, and they don't need your business.

alo

Replace it. It will blow. It is a lot easier to replace it now, than to have it blow when you are a long way from home.

Classtime 

Is it a tubular? And is that sealant or other repair attempt? If it's only the rubber, ride it.

plonz 

On a pokey errand runner, I’d mount it on the rear and go with it. On a bike I’m hammering in a group or bombing down a hill, it’s not worth the risk IMO.

grizzly59

Clean it out and look. If the cords aren't cut I rub some ShoeGoo in there and give it a go. If it's an old tire throw it out, but a month old then everything else (casing, sidewalls, bead) is good. You could cut a piece of Tyvek envelope and boot it under your scrape if you are a belt and suspenders person.

malcala622

The tires are clinchers and when I inspected them this small area seamed like a patch of gum when it was deflated. Only when I mounted and aired it was when I noticed this.

Seems as though a repair was attempted so I'll have to clean it up and see really how deep the damage goes.

For $45 I'm hoping I can get some good use out of them

xiaoman1 

Miguel, Knowing the way you pound, I would pass on it...saving the 45 may cost you more in medical...Not worth it in my opinion, Hard Pass.
Best, Ben

Narhay

The only part of your bike that connects you to the ground are your tires. I know it is hard to scrap a few bucks in a bad deal but don't chance it.

jeirvine 

What size is it? I have a spare Corsa 25.

malcala622

23

randyjawa 

For the longest time, I ran 25s on the rear wheel and 23s on the front. Made sense to me, in those days.

easyupbug 

The likelihood of failure is too high for me (at my age going down can be serious), if you are going to ride it I am sure you will put it in the back which will help with the consequence of a blow out unless you are bombing down an incline or curve. Obviously only you can decide if the $ is worth the risk.

easyupbug 

I still do on old Tommasini Air forks that don't like 25s.

thinktubes 

Use it as a "trainer" tire.

jadocs

You bought them used?

Classtime 

If on the inside of the tire, you see no damage, put a boot there for peace of mind, and ride it on the rear. Curious what caused it. Looks melted or dissolved by some chemical.

malcala622

They had been used for about 100 miles as the seller claimed. I believed him since out of the box they were clean. I wouldn't put this on the seller since i inspected them.

malcala622

Wouldnt it be safer to use it on the front wheel? Less weight at the front.