elgalad

Was out on a recovery ride this evening, just taking it easy, when I heard a stomach-churning hiss. Flat front tire.

Took the wheel off, and noticed a small piece of glass had lodged in the tire, and had cut right through, causing me to flat.

Would you trust this tire? (Micheline ProRace2, only a week old)

ElJamoquio

Yes. Remove glass and keep riding.

Wil Davis

If you really wanted to use it, put a Tyvek patch in it, and use it on the rear. I had a similar thing happen to me half-way through a century last year (see pic). I replaced the tube, and used a patch on the inside of the tyre (it was on the rear) and I was able to complete the ride. I ran the tyre at 100 as it was bulging a bit at the usual pressure of 110psi. I wouldn't want to use mine, but yours looks OK as it's smaller (so to speak…)

- Wil

sogood

The key issue in my mind is how much of the inner casing did it cut? Have a look on the inside and if it's only a tiny puncture hole, then it's no problem. Put a patch in and you'll be fine. But if it's of any appreciable length, then either patch and send it to the rear, or discard for total safety. A visit to the ER will cost you way more than a few tyres.

EGreen

My ProRace tires are full of those cuts. As stated, the main issue is what it looks like on the inside casing.

I must say ... on the frequently seen ProRace vs. Vittoria threads, Vittoria always seems to lose in the consensus as far as puncture resistance goes... however, months since I got Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX tires I've not had a flat whereas with the ProRace tires I was constantly, routinely flatting out. For a long time I used them anyway because I liked their look and feel - still have a closet full of them in every available color, but I'll stick with the Vittoria's.

ElJamoquio

No bulge = no problem. Keep riding. I've had a lot of flats, no problems.

elgalad

Thanks for the help guys ]

Yeah, that picture was taken at 110 psi inflation, no bulge, so I guess it's okay.

I replaced the inner tube and rode 15 minutes on it to get home straight after it happened, but thought I should check if there might be any long-term problems.

Cheers, saved me $50

sogood

If your rear tyre is without cuts, then it's probably still worthwhile to swap their position.

elgalad

Will do

unbelievably

May I ask?

Why are tires with cuts being swapped out, cut front to back/back to front?

tubescreamerx

I assume it has to do with the effect of a front vs. rear wheel flatting/blowing out while you're cruising along at speed. If it's your front tire, you lose all directional control. If your rear tire goes, however, you will have more control in directing the bike since you still have your steering wheel functioning.

Gee3

I used Shoe Goo on the cut/gash I had on my tire and it's been fine ever since. I've had no problem riding it on the road.

Since I got a good deal on a set of tires for my new wheels I now use the old tires/wheels for my trainer. So when spin you hear the section that the shoe goo'd part was done. So it's thump, thump, thump but nothing too bad since my concentration is on the training and not the noise of the tire.

Of course, on the road I heard nothing so it was all good. And it wears out just like it was part of the tire. No irregular wearing so it's a durable and cheap fix.

Good luck.

slvoid

I just switched over from a pair of specialized mondo s-works which are supposedly lighter than the open corsa's. However, the ride was a little bit dead so I picked up a pair of open corsa's to try out. It wasn't till I started mounting the tires that I was floored by how absolutely thin they were. Every specialized tire I've used has been pretty cut proof, even in NYC.

Do you think the vittorias are getting less punctures compared to the pro race's for you because maybe you changed your route or style of riding?

spdrcr5

I have ProRace2's and don't get flats but do have quite a few tiny slashes across the tread of the front tire. Before my Tahoe century I changed out the tire to play it safe. None of the slashes has gone past the surface rubber, but I wanted to play it safe. The tire had around 1,500 miles on it and plenty of tread left. Why so many slashes in the tire?

I like the idea of getting Shoe Goo to prolong the tire life, but how is it in terms of traction? Do you notice any difference? I'll get the Shoe Goo and toss the tire back on to hopefully put on several more thousand miles but not use it on century rides to play it safe.

2Tired2Shift

On the back, yes, not on the front. The front wheel is my ass (and yours) and I have a zero defect policy for it.

tubescreamerx

No one has confirmed my theory yet, though I suspect it's because I'm right about the relative importance of a front vs. rear functioning tire.

2Tired2Shift

I think we're in agreement.

GPB

Someone also mentioned they "super glue" the cut after verifying there was no foreign object in it...using tweezers or something. Sounded like a good idea. Trying to put shoe-goo in there sounds a little messier IMO.

powerglide

Looks ok for a rear tire. asl long as the tube doesnt push through or start to bubble/deform I'd say you're ok...but free advice is what it is

EGreen

Nope.

People have commented on the relative thinness of the Vittoria Open Corsa's, I hadn't noticed. I've only noticed getting less flats. Could it be better threading? Who knows? I sure don't.

xlrogue

Superglue won't adhere for the long term like Shoe Goo--sharp impact will break the bond. Superglue will also tend to wick away in the casing before it dries. Applying Shoe Goo is no big deal--use a toothpick to pull a glob out of the tube and work it into the cut. I've been amazed by how well Shoe Goo holds up over time.

Velo Vol 

Thread resurrection.

For the first time in probably two years I got a flat riding last night. Oy.

Weird in that I was on a clean road and never found the object that caused the flat.

Anyway, while examining the tire (fairly new GP 4000s) I noticed one or two small cuts--probably not even half the size of the OP.

I don't have any question that the tire is "safe," what I'm wondering is if there's anything to do to prevent the cut from leading to another flat in the future.

Above posters refer to "patching" the tire--I'm not sure what they mean.

SteelCan

Simply means placing a patch on the INSIDE wall of the tire just like you would on an innertube. The one in the image above doesn't require it because there is no bulging under full PSI. (though if it was me, I would use a shoe goo like product or super glue to seal/close the exterior cut)

dperreno

Shoe Goo fills the hole and blends in, making the cut seem to "go away." It's also extremely durable and tenacious - it won't work it's way out of the cut. I have a couple of cuts on my ProRace2's that I've gooed. Both on the front tire, interestingly enough. I don't know if it really makes a difference, but I feel better thinking that there isn't a gap in the tire that could more easily pick up a sharp object.

caloso

I'd only patch the inside of the tire if the cords have been cut.