These tires safe to use?
 

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247390

There's a small hole in the sidewall of this one. I've never had a problem with the sidewalls of any tire, but I'm wondering if this hole will interfere somehow with regular riding.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247391

The bead of this one is coming off the tire a bit. Maybe three inches in length on both sides? I'm hoping it doesn't matter once it's on and pumped to 110 psi, but I don't know. The tire still mounts onto the rim just fine.

Sorry for the bad pictures.

Thanks.

the first one needs to be booted, or patched with shoe goo.

the second is fine... ish. are you using a metal tire tool or something?

No, I'm using plastic park tool levers.

Why risk it? Seriously, if it is even questionable, just replace it. Your safety is far more important than a $30 tire and a broken collarbone is much more expensive than that.

if you're doing that I would ditch the gatorskins in favor of rubino pros.

I'm less worried about the first one than the second, although the picture is pretty blurry so it's tough to assess. Small holes I figure *may* at some point give rise to a puncture. I find small holes in the middle of the tread more troubling. The idea of the bead coming off though equals potential puncture plus the added excitement of the possibility of your tire coming off the rim. That almost always ends badly.

As noted above, if you don't have peace of mind, then replace. The expense of a new tire is worth it.

You guys are right. Looks like I'm on the hunt for new tires...again.

Haha. Ironically, these were supposed to replace my rubino pros :(.


Thanks for the help, guys! :)

Hehehe. The rubino pro is less popular but in fact a way better tire than the gatorskin.

Exactly - if you have to ask - you should replace it.

Save your money.

Tire #1 just needs a dab of superglue. The Duraskin in the sidewall won't let the hole tear any further.

Tire #2 is also fine. What you are looking at is the chafer strip that folds around the bead as a finish piece. It is NOT structural. The strip can loose threads (and often does) and be fine. This can be caused by some tire levers or riding on a flat tire.

Both are fine.

+1