Advice on a tyre split?
 

Found this split in my rear tyre today, there's nothing in the split. I haven't checked my tyre condition for a month (2 rides, 130 miles total) so I don't know how long it's been there. I do check the pressures regularly though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...es/tyrecut.jpg

It's an inch long and I'm not sure how deep it is. I'll keep a eye on it but I'm a bit paranoid. Can I get away without changing the tyre? I need to do a trip on the bike tonight.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

I've got a similar split in my Pilot Power. Checked the pressure for a week after I noticed it, but it didn't change. I've done 3 figure speeds on it since and it has been ok. Get a proper tyre place to check it out. If you are really paranoid change it. Better to spend a ton on a new tyre than fall off and injure yourself and the bike.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

I cant see the picture because of works filters, but a 1" split in one of my tyres would be a swap job.

People dont realise how much a tyre expands with increased speed and temperature....I would never want to risk the split increasing in size and loosing pressure suddenly or worse a blowout at speed on the motorway.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Hmm.. I can't change it before tonight even if I wanted to, so I'll keep an eye on it during route training, looks like I'll be taking it easy.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Check the depth and if it's less than the depth of the remaining tread, I'd (personally) keep using it.

I might be tempted to let the tyre down and glue the cut closed with puncture repair glue and see if it reopens.

Carl

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

It didn't get any bigger tonight after 60 miles, some on the motorway. Only done 3750 miles on the tyre so I have loads of tread left on the tyre so I doubt it is deeper (though it looks quite deep). I'll get a professional opinion when I next take the bike out (whenever that'll be!).

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Check the depth with a tooth pick, small crewdriver or tyre tread tool.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Any "professional" opinion (from a tyre fitter) will say replace it IMHO.
I would say if it's not getting any bigger, then it's no different from the tyre tread so it would be fine.
Can bring my tread depth gauge to Sunday's rideout for you to measure it's depth?

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Thats right, because they are all mercenary and will screw you if you let them.

My experience is different.

Went into Essential Rubber with a nail in my tyre, thought it was a gonner, but had left it there as it wasnt leaking.

In the end they pulled 3 sizeable pieces of shrapnel out of my tyre, none of which had cause fatal damage to the tyre.

Must have taken them at least 10 mins by the time the got the bike on the stand, checked it out, had a chat while doing it etc.

In the ends dropped it off the stand, told me nothing wrong with it and to have a safe journey home.

Was told to not be silly when I asked them what I owed them for their time/advice.

When I did need new tyres guess where I went.

Re: Advice on a tyre split?
 

Yes that was my thinking, but also what kind of position are you putting them in trying to make them liable if they say it's OK then it starts growing & you have a problem? Why would they take on that potential responsibility?I imagine a nail hole is either OK or not, whereas a split is OK 'til it starts growing.