Originally Posted by
wgscott
I just noticed this. I have no idea how long it has looked like this. (38mm Barlow Pass extra expensive/light). At first I thought it was just a sidewall cut, but in this photo it appears to be some sort of crack that parallels the rim and then goes up the tire. Anyone ever see anything like this? Is it likely to blow?
It looks to me like that is the point where two layers of fabric overlap, creating a place that is a little less flexible than the surrounding fabric, so the fabric is forced to flex a little extra around it. I'd shoot an email to Jan/Compass/RH and get their take in addition to the pure speculation here.