OP, if you want to keep this from happening and also always have a good tire on the front, you should always put the new tire up front and move the front to the back at that time. That way you don't have rear tires wearing out fast, while the fronts get old and cracked before the tread wears out. The overall average for the two tires re: tread wear stays the same, but you don't let front tires get old while waiting for them to wear out. Also by always putting the new tires on the front, you always have your best where you need it for steering control.

I don't like the looks of that tire we are talking about, not for any specific reason, it just doesn't look sound. Ditch it. [MENTION=107711]datlas[/MENTION] is right about the carcass providing the tire strength, but I still wouldn't want to depend on that tire re: punctures.