strider1956

I recently purchased a set of tires online and had a problem with one of them. I understand about buying online, etc. but thought that the following exchange of emails might interest some of you:

1.I purchased a pair of Michelin Pro Race 3 Road Tires on August 5, 2010. I believe the item number was: xxxxxxx. They were paid through PayPal. Here's my problem. Earlier this week I had a blowout on the rear tire while riding. After looking at the tire, there is a split approximately 5/8" long. To be honest, I don't know if that caused the blowout or if the rim cut it after the flat happened. I can send you a picture if you like. The tires had less than 40 miles on them-1 ride in August and 1 last week. I didn't ride once school started. What are my options and can you be of any assistance?

Thank you so much for your time in this matter.

Respectfully yours,


2. Hi xxxxx,
I'm sorry to hear about the short lifespan of your tire. While we do always strive to advocate warranty issues as best we can on our customer's behalf, unfortunately with tires specifically there isn't much in the way of recourse. Basically as soon as a tire is ridden, even if it's 500 feet down the road on it's first ride, if you were to get a massive rip in the tread / sidewall, from a manufacturer's perspective they are not liable to a warranty claim. Once a tire is used, however much or little, any damage to the tire is the customer's fault, technically speaking. While I am happy to sell you another tire at a reduced price out of sympathy, and from a position of always wanting to help our customers out, there isn't anything I can do beyond that.
Please let me know if that is any consolation,
Thanks,

3. Thank you for your time in addressing my situation. I would be interested in purchasing a replacement for the tire I lost. Please let me know if you can help.

4. I can sell you another Michelin Pro3 Race for $39/each, if you want to buy it through our normal e-commerce website (I don't have them listed on eBay right now). The price listed on our website is higher than $39, but just make a note for me in the 'notes' section of the ordering process that we've spoken by email and this is an eBay related issue. I'm the one who receives/fills all orders, so once I see your note I'll adjust the price down for you.
Thanks,

5. Dear xxx,
I appreciate the offer for your tire at $39. However the Celeste Blue Michelin Pro3 Race tires I bought from you last year were only $70 per set. This makes the individual tire @ $35. I must respectfully decline your offer.

Thanks you so much for your time,

Is this a typical response for problems concerning road tires? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

dcrowell

I believe most manufacturers will only warranty tires for a defect. Although it's possible your tire failed due to a defect that went unnoticed, it is unlikely.

Bike tires are fairly thin and prone to damage from road debris. No manufacturer will cover that.

Car tires are much heavier duty. Even then you pay for a "road hazard" warranty. Even then they won't replace the tire for free, but at a pro-rated cost based upon tread life left.

Your best bet is to inspect every tire you buy. If all seems well, ride it. Keep a spare around the house.

Machka 

They are tires. They are disposable. They are also fragile, which is part of the reason they are disposable.

StanSeven

You brought two tires for $70 a set last year (August) and thought $39 for one now is unreasonable?