Noticed a sidewall defect in my gatorskin tire this am before a ride. It is about a quarter inch diameter allowing the tube to bulge through.
Is this worth fixing and if so what are your suggestions as to the best method of doing so.
Thanks.

If your tube is bulging through I think your tire is done. For the cost of a tire why would you even consider repairing one?

Depending on how many miles on the tires I would put a boot inside the tire. I did that on a Gatorskin that had a cut in the sidewall and rode many more miles. The boot I would suggest is a section of an old tire with the tread well worn so as not to be too thick.

I've heard of adding a boot many times. How do you keep it in place while you replace the tube? Glue it to the inside of the tire?

Personally, I'll ride a tire till the cords are showing but draw the line on holes where the tube is bulging. I certainly have booted a tire as a temporary fix. I haven't tried patching the inside of the tire with Gorilla Tape myself, but quite a few have suggested it elsewhere so it might be worth a try. Keep a close eye on it.

Why would the amount of miles on a tire affect your decision? I've tossed tires after 200 km, when a tire is damaged it should be replaced. Boots are meant to get you home not a permanent fix.

Do you cement it into place? how large relative to the defect? Plenty of miles left on this tire so I hate to chuck it.

A heavy piece of canvas or what was referred to as oil cloth works well to boot a tire. Glue in place with rubber cement.

i've used the stick on Park boots for quite a long time too depending on the size of the cut you could cut it in half and have a backup.

No need to glue the boot. Between the air pressure and friction of the rubber it does not move. I usually make a boot about 1 1/2" long.

some stickiness is helpful when getting the tube and tire seated. another tip is to take off the side that is not cut so you can put the boot on the attached side.

This. I'd move the tire to the rear wheel as well.

Why rear? I would think the greater stress would be a detriment.

What do you use to boot, remember I am not talking about getting home stuff but something long term.

What is " the stick on park boots"?

If the tire should fail, you'll want it on the back where your control will be much better.

I'd have phrased it as "so if it fails, you go down to the side instead of faceplanting", but your way is technically accurate as well.

Yeah,it was pretty squirrely when it blew out. Hadn't thought of that, thanks.

By the way, for whatever it's worth, I've seen more issues with Gatorskins than the vaunted GP4KS. Why are you running them? You're not in goathead country.

Good question...LBS pushed them as the best thing since slice bread. Not impressed with sliced bread.

I'd suggest a switch.

Had the Conti's 4000 before which I liked, but what I really like and have on m¸y second (Freschi) bike are the Continental Contacts. Great on the chip and seal and gravel I ride on.

Why would you crash from a flat tire? It is better on the rear, however.

Make a tire boot. Get an old race tire with as little tread as possible. Cut out a section about 1 1/2 long. Then CUT OF THE BEADS. Just slip it in place. It has nowhere to go since the ends of the boot will be resting on the rim bed.

I've ridden over 1000km with a tire like this.

I wouldn't do it now, though. I'm too olde for that crap.

thnx,

Yup. I've had a high speed, down hill, front tire, blow out on a tandem and easily stayed upright.