So there I was the other night, doing some intervals when I ran over a piece of metal that made a nice clean 1-inch slice in my relatively new rear tire (a $50-ish Vittoria). This is the 3rd time this season that $50 tire has gone before its time. My question, of course, is: Can I somehow safely repair a good quality clincher that has been sliced? I have tried duct taping a piece of tube to the inside, but the tire still bulges out when inflated. I've heard that you can stich a tubular, is this at all possible with a clincher?

Any advice appreciated.

If the cut is on the riding surface, I would not risk it unless it is between treads and the treads are deep (such as a mountain bike tire). If it is on the side wall, you can definitely do it. Here's how I've had success several times:
1. Sew the gash with dental floss. I use a pattern of x's (XXXXXX)
2. For extra reinforcement I'll sometimes superglue the stitches.
3. Cut a piece of plastic from a 2 litter soda bottle to use as a "patch" on the inside. Duct tape this to the inside of the tire. This prevents the tube from wanting to "bubble out" of the wounded area.

This is a road tire and the cut is on the sidewall...I shall give this a try and let you know the results...sewing is fun for everyone!

Thanks!

Sidewall on road tire? You are running 100 plus psi in that. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen (thinking 45 mph descents). There's something to be said for cheap training tires.

My $0.02

There are tire fix kits available at the auto parts store. There is a special clamp for pressure bonding the materials.

I would also be concerned about the high pressure in bike tires compared with auto/truck tires, though.

You could try it and put it on your rear wheel.

Take an old tyre and cut a section out and use it as a boot. You may want to glue in place but pressure will hold it in place.

ALlo Park sell a Boot but tyre will serve same purpose for free. .

If smaller patches may also work.

Clincher tyre repairs are really to get you someplace where you can replace them. The strength of a clincher comes from its fabric, not the rubber. If the fabric is torn, you have to replace it, for safety. Ive ripped expensive tyres after a week. I usually replace them with something more robust and cheaper.

Tubular sew-ups are another story altogether.

No, this won't work and that's for sure. If you are suggesting using a tube patch, that will absolutely fail with a big bang. You can take that from a man of experience.

Basurablanca,
I think Dirtsqueezer has the real answer. Use $15 kevlar reinforced tires for training and save the racing tires for racing. They may be heavier and slower, but then you will feel faster with the better tires!

I don't fool with tires. When I see even a 4-5mm cut that seems to go through, off it comes. Right now I have some $24 tires on (Conti Ultra 3000). After 500 commuting miles on rough trashy city streets I am seeing little nicks so I am watching them closely. When these go, they will be replaced with Conti Sport 1000 Kevlar or Performanc GT 2 Kevlar. I guess I will keep 3000s on my weekend bike, but it doesn't get as many miles.

Regards,
Raymond

Thanks for all of the input, ya'll. Whatever I end up doing, I will excercise caution! At very least this tire will never be raced or end up on the front.
Cheap, wide tires are the way to go, I think, that's the overall moral of the story...

I agree with using a tire casing for a patch, but I've found that sew-up/tubular casings work a little better, especially silk or cotton, as they're thinner and more supple so you won't get as big a "bump".
I don't mess much with patching tires anymore, I carry a spare tire now. I've needed to use the spare twice in the last 10 years, but when I did need it, I REALLY needed it

I carry a piece of old tyre (1-1 1/2inch or 30mm ) as an emergency boot for those unexpected incidents like yours Basurablanca.
At least I will make it home, because if I don't block that hole while on the road I know for sure I will have another blow out.
I also agree with the others- if it is a big hole and you ride fast- just ditch the tyre.
$$-ouch!!