Bicycle Mechanics - Busted Tire?

After I had a flat the other day Ive replaced the tube and was going to head out for my ride this morning. I decided (wisely) to check the gash on the outside of the tire. I found it and its pretty big I think. At least a 1/4 inch long and with the tube inflated all the way it makes a little bump and I can stick a pen pretty far into the tire so is this tire done and I need to get a new one or can I still ride this one? I just dont want to have another flat because something got into the old hole, which is open enough I think that it could.
Thanks

You could take the tire off and put a patch of say duct tape to cover the hole and keep the tube inside. If you're out on the road, this is where the famous dollar bill trick would work (using a folded dollar bill or even a twenty for those with expensive tires :) ). But long term, a new tire might be on order... Up to you and your wallet!

jay

After I had a flat the other day Ive replaced the tube and was going to head out for my ride this morning. I decided (wisely) to check the gash on the outside of the tire. I found it and its pretty big I think. At least a 1/4 inch long and with the tube inflated all the way it makes a little bump and I can stick a pen pretty far into the tire so is this tire done and I need to get a new one or can I still ride this one? I just dont want to have another flat because something got into the old hole, which is open enough I think that it could.
ThanksI've repaired a lot of tires like this. As long as the gash doesn't contact the pavement you can do the following:
- Sew the gash with some dental floss.
- Cover the dental floss with a bit of Super glue
- Cut a small piece of plastic from a 2 liter soda bottle and duct tape this to the inside of the tire over your sewing job.

I've never had a tire that I repaired like this fail. I've ridden them for hundreds of miles until the tread has worn out.

The gash is just off center on the tread so while Im rolling it would be in contact with the pavement all the time. The tread is worn down and the gash is right on the part that is worn down. Seems like I might stop by the LBS to pick up a new tire.

Any recommendations for a good road tire? The one I have now is a vittoria rubino pro 3d compound or something like that. I did have some vrdestein tires on my old bike that lasted for 6 months without a flat and they are still on the bike. Im not too concerned about weight, just something that I wont have to worry about.

The tire is junk. Get a new one.

Are you so cheap that you'd risk your safety to save a few bucks?

I ended up getting a new tire. Thats why I didnt ride at all today, I didnt have a new tire so I guess I do value my safety more than my wallet!