Is this tire toast?
 

Gravel king SS. I noticed this after I removed a thorn from another location on the tire.

garbage?


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...26cfd2b80.jpeg

it's close. Depends on how important it is that you lessen the risk for flat on your next ride. For my everyday rides, I can risk a flat. So I'll ride a tire till the threads are showing. Though maybe the threads are showing there, it's a crack that has rubber over them. And not the rubber worn down to the threads.

Now if you install the tire and when pumped up to pressure the tube is exposed and coming out in a bubble, then that's a problem and indicates a new tire. Unless you want to boot it with something. I'd toss it at that point.

If your next ride is important, or you are riding with a group that you don't want to risk inconveniencing and being poked fun of, then change the thing now.

It's mostly just what makes you feel good and the depth of your pocket book. It's only a flat you'll be risking. I've never had a flat cause a accident. And I've had some impressive blowouts over the years. So I can't say it's unsafe.

Of course if you are in Portland OR, and have gone up a mountain, then consider your confidence in the tire when coming down the mountain and having several switchbacks with sheer cliffs off to one side.

I personally would not want to ride on that tire but it certainly is not toast, though to be fair I haven't eaten a tire with orange marmalade so who knows maybe I am missing out?

If you are just toddling around neighborhood probably ok assuming nothing poking through but going on a long ride or a group ride I would pass.

Worn out. That's a Gravel King Slick, not a Gravel King SS, btw.

Based on the appearance of the area and the localized damage, it sort of looks like a bald spot to me. Did you ever lock that tire up and skid?

I would replace it because the last couple miles you get on worn tires are always riskier that the rest of the miles.

If you see something corresponding on the inside of the tire, TOSS.

I can see canvas, in just that one tiny spot, doesn't seem to be cut - if that's an anti-puncture strip rather than the actual tyre carcass you might get some more miles out of it until the defect gets larger, but it's on its way out. Used to be some people patched damage like that with shoe goo, but tyre technology has probably advanced beyond that.