Take a look if you need to… https://photos.app.goo.gl/MiLwbaQJZk3Kh7P98
I picked up a long staple of some sort and it penetrated the tire (Grand prix 4000) and tube.
Am I good to go with a new tube only or should I replace the tire? These are my race wheels and tires and I have IM Boulder 70.3 coming up.
Fwiw I would pull the staple out and replace to tube. I would keep riding on that tire.
Probably should just get another bike to be sure.
Probably should just get another bike to be sure.
I agree, should probably also replace bike shoes and pedals.
I would probably vote for a new wife too. It’s the only way to be certain.
Pull the staple, use a thin superglue to patch the tire, then if you really want to, put a boot inside the tire (e.g. cut a circle out of a dollar bill and superglue it to the inside of the tire.
Then ride that tire and don’t worry… the patched part of the tire will probably be the strongest and most puncture-resistant part of the tire.
Thank you, Mark.
I would say the tire is okay, but would be hesitant to race on it. I would grab a new tire for race day and use that one on my training wheels.
Not worth the worry. Get a tire.
Technically, if a cut doesn’t go through the tire, it should be ok to ride.
A couple of little holes shouldn’t be a concern.
I am going to assume you are running latex tubes. The first thing is to pull the staple, mark the side of the tire with something like a Sharpie, and put a glue-less patch on the inside. Inflate the tire and look for a bulge on the sidewall where the staple went in (the Sharpie mark). No bulge means no loss of structural integrity of the casing. If this is the case , add some fresh sealant to the tube and inflate to your normal pressure and go racing. As long as butyl tubes hold air you should be fine, but slow.
If you notice a bulge in the casing, go to Excel Sports in Boulder for some new 5000s. They are a faster tire and more flat resistant and have a lower rolling resistance than your 4000s,
Thank you for your response, Mike. Will do!
Oh hell no, its not worth the chance, not to mention piece of mind. Maybe for indoor training, but I’d never use that tire outdoors again, especially risk it in a race. This coming from someone who has tried to cheap out, and has crashed with a blow out. A small nail, tack or thorn is one thing, but that staple is not only thick, and caused a two hole puncture, but it also looks ripped between the holes. That’s just asking for trouble. I’ve had the same thing happen when I picked up a fish hook. New tire, and no one gets hurt.
In my world view, if you have to ask if a tire needs to be replaced, it does. I would just ditch it. The cost of a new GP4K2 is around $30. That is only four lattes. And, the hassle of a flat is huge. Why ride with uncertainty when there is a cheap solution.
Yes replace. Make sure you mount it the right direction this time!