Tire damage. Replace or okay?
 

Tire damage. Replace or okay?
I recently discovered this nice little cut in my tire's sidewall. The cut doesn't go all the way through to the tube. It seems like it is just the outside rubber stuff that is sliced through. Given my explanation and the pictures below, is it necessary to replace this tire right now? That is, is it safe to ride with this? I mainly ride on paved roads in the city and occasionally have to go through a little gravel, short grass, etc. (nothing too "off road") if that makes any difference.

http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1e821610.jpg
http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/...psb81cceab.jpg
http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/...pse1fda2bf.jpg

The inside
http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/...ps176964a9.jpg

I posted this in another subforum but I'd like to get a few more responses. Thanks

Well, I guess you could put a patch on the inside, or run some duct tape for reenforcement. Or drop 20 on a new tire. Just looking at the pic, personally I would get a new tire. Sidewall blowouts kinda suck.

New tyre time I think, if you are on a tight budget then you might get away with patching it but as pyze-guy said, sidewall blow outs really do suck.

This. Do it.

The fabric will hold, but since there's no protection, it is more vulnerable to the next hit. A patch from the inside wouldn't guard against that.

I have some Kenda Kwicks on one bike that have scraped-up sidewalls and worn-out tread that refuse to die, so I'm seeing how long I can push them. It's a judgment call.

Maybe patch it up on the inside just to be safe. Then ride it, but every time you get home and walk in the front door, drop a buck in a jar. When you've got twenty bucks in there, go get yourself a new tire.

I already have a new tire. was just hoping to get some more life out of this is all. I'll probably replace it tomorrow. thanks guys.

I don't know, I always put safety and health first. So if you have to ask....

Either shoe goo it. Or get a new tire, personally I'd just get a new tire.

I'd slap some Shoe Goo on it and ride it no worries!

Personally for my peace of mind I drop the money for a new tire.

+1 I'm cheap

I'd ride on it. The fabric looks completely intact and that's where all the strength is. The rubber is just protection for the fabric at that point. I'd bet on it lasting just as long as it would have without the damage.

It'll last until it won't. Are you a gambler?

Replace it.

There should have been a poll on this question. All tires need to be replaced sooner or later. Sooner is now with this tire.

I'd replace it, but if you do continue using, move it to the rear wheel where a blowout will not result in an immediate loss of handling.

It looks like dry rot cracking in the picture. I think the tire has exceeded its life expectancy. I would replace it.

At least put it on the rear.Be safe.

The purpose of the tyre is to provide traction and keep the tube in.

Is the tube bulging out? Is traction badly compromised? If no then just keep using the tyre :)

Just a flesh wound. I'd keep using it.

I'm currently have over 1,000 miles on a tire that had a sidewall puncture about 900 miles ago. I booted it with a patch on the inside of the tire.