Road Cycling - Gash in my tire

I have a fairly new set of tires. Today I ran over a rock or something and put a small gash in the front, about 1/4 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. I don't think it went all the way through the rubber, but it's deep. Do you think it's ruined?

Thanks,
RobRyb

Most likely. In emergency situations, the procedure is to span the gash with a dollar bill (really) or even a wrapper from a Power bar (or other brand).

However, when you get home, it's a different story. I heard of people patching their tires (not tubes), some good patches, some bad. The problem is you'll feel a lump in your tire as it rolls. Tubeless tires (on Mtn bikes) are patched all the time, but the lump is minimized because of lack of tube!

But, Heck, it's worth a shot! Just make sure you bring at least a dollar bill, and a spare tube with you on your next ride if the patch doesn't hold!

L8R

IF (and its a big if) the cut isn't deep,
and if you can't see the threads in the casing
you can use shoe goo used to fill a cut in a tire.
One caveat to this, if its on the sidewall, don't even
bother.

Marty

If they're top quality tires, you'll need at least a 5-dollar bill. ;)

Originally posted by SteveE
If they're top quality tires, you'll need at least a 5-dollar bill. ;)

I read an on-line article about fixing flats in which the writer suggested using a 20-dollar bill. Must be really good tires.

Originally posted by Prosody
I read an on-line article about fixing flats in which the writer suggested using a 20-dollar bill. Must be really good tires.

Or, the author was Canadian. :D

Originally posted by RobRyb
I have a fairly new set of tires.
You say they are new but don't mention brand or cost.

If they are expensive tires you can try repairing but I wouldn't recommend going on any "long" rides, just in case you have problems. Don't leave it on the front, move it to the rear.

If they aren't expensive tires just trash it or use it only on your trainer.

tyres are nothing to mess around with. Get a new one.

Thanks to all for the feedback. I've never heard of Shoe Goo. It's tempting just to experiment with it. However, I think I'll just trash it.