Bicycle Mechanics - Is my tire ruined?

I was just changing my tires around (back to semi-slicks from knobbies), when I noticed a small tear inside one of my tires. It looks almost like a cut from a knife, but I can't think of what would have sliced it. It only goes about half-way through the rubber and is barely noticeable unless I push the tire from behind. I've attached a photo so you can see what it looks like.

Is this tire still safe to ride on? I would hate to have to buy a new one, they weren't cheap and are only a few months old.

I wouldent ride on it.

You could probably boot that tire with a strip of duct tape and ride it until the rubber was gone...but...why take the chance?

If I were you, I'd get some new skins for my bike.

Well...I'd still ride it... If you can't see it on the outside, like you said, I think it's still okay for riding. I'd just keep a close eye on it after a ride, to be sure it's not breaking the rubber. If it is, definitely toss it.

One thing you might try is Shoe-Goo the stuff that
is marketed to repair running shoes.
that said I don't think I'd use it on front wheel,
and only on back as a spare.
Is the cut on a seam? It kind of looks that way from
the picture, If so I'd see if this was a warranty issue.
Never heard of this kind of cut before.

Marty

The nylon threads in the casing are what provide most of the strength of the tire's casing to contain the air pressure. If they're cut, I would advise getting a new tire.

Show it to the shop (if you bought it locally) and ask what they think. I'd imagine they'll throw it in the warranty bin for the rep to look at the next time he/she comes by, and you will probably get a new tire eventually, maybe on the spot.

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I think for now I am going to play it safe and keep my knobbies on, although it will suck for road riding. Next time I get a chance to visit the shop I bought them from I'll see what they say. I don't think I kept the receipt, but it's a decent shop so they might replace it anyway. I've never inspected the insides of the tires before this- so it's possible it even came like that.

That tyre is ruined. The majority of stress on a clincher tyre is what is called "hoop stress", which basically is the stress from one bead to the other. This tyre has a tear in the fabric, which is the medium for carrying the stress, since rubber has little tensile strength.
Throw that old tyre away-it is unsafe.

Lack of wear on the tire should be obvious to a factory rep. Tear from the inside should be covered by implied warranty. If shop doesn't replace it for you the factory certainly should.

I don't think you sho will have any trouble getting a replacement or refund from the manufacturer/distributor. They will probably replace it an take the risk for you.

Carl