Hi , i have a tear in my tire sidewall which seems to be caused by a sharp stone. It is only on the surface so should i do anything about it? Thanks.

What kind of PSI are you running? It might be fine if it's low enough. Also whats the sidewall constructed of?

If it was me I would just throw a bike patch inside and keep going.

It looks insignificant.

If at any time your inner tube starts to bulge out through the cut, then consider placing a patch on the inside of the tire. Otherwise, you've got a lot more miles left on what looks to be essentially a new tire.

Bob

Fortunately, it looks pretty minor. I'd suggest filling it in with a small amount of Shoe Goo, mainly to prevent grit from accumulating inside the tear. You should be able to find the stuff in the adhesives section of your LHS (local hardware store).

Check the inside of the tire for any evidence of full thickness tear. If present glue a tube patch inside the carcass there. Otherwise just remember to check the tire periodically for bulging in the area and goop is a good idea. You will find that at least 1/3 of the tires you throw away will be because of sidewall or occasionally tread cuts too big to patch. The rest will wear out.
Steve

I got a worse gash on my sidewall when the tire was pretty new and now I keep it as a spare.

I rode it for another hundred or so miles first though and it seemed fine. The only reason I swapped it was because I was entering a challenge ride and didn't fancy the roadside jiggery-pokery that comes with a rear blowout.

Unless the gash goes through the casing, it's of no consequence.

Check the tire carefully for any evidence of cut casing threads. Use a magnifying glass. If there are any threads cut then toss the tire or use it only on your startionary trainer. Otherwise, place a patch on the inside of the tire at the location of the cut and ride comfortably.

Thanks for the advice , i have heard of a something called rubber cement. Can i use it on the sidewall?

No. Rubber cement is not durable enough. Use Goo, as suggested by a previous poster.

Bob

Ok thanks alot!

I'll go against the grain a little and suggest you replace the tire. A lot depends on the type of riding you do. If you ride around the neighborhood and it is a fairly new tire, I might patch the inside and use it as a rear tire. The rear is preferred as the tread will wear faster and if you should flat, there is less of a chance you will crash.

If you ride great distances and downhill speeds, I would chuck it.

I buy tires 10-12 at a time and tend to discard tires quicker than my peers. But I do not want a sidewall failure as I am taking a turn at 50mph down a nice long grade. So if I see any imperfections, I chuck it.

If you have a friend that uses a trainer, give him the tire.