Riding patched tires?

[TigerMom]

I just got a 5mm diagonal puncture in the middle of my brand new GP4000 tires.

I patched it and rode the bike home.

Obviously, no one is supposed to tell me that riding a patched tire is safe.

But, would you keep riding this patched tire or would you throw out this $50 tire that I just bought and get a new one?

[ny biker]

The cut is in the tire, not the tube? I know people who have ridden many miles on booted tires. You can cut up old inner tubes and use a piece for a boot. Or you can buy one at the LBS. Or you can use a dollar bill, which I've done as an emergency boot during a ride. Whatever you use, put it between the inner tube and the inside of the tire, covering the hole.

[OakLeaf]

First, where are you finding GP4000s for $50? I'm used to paying $70...

Anyway, if it's that small I probably wouldn't worry about it. What did you use to boot it? Exactly where in the tread is it? Is it 5 mm on the inside of the tire wall, the outside, or both straight through? Clean slit or chewed up?

[TigerMom]

First, where are you finding GP4000s for $50? I'm used to paying $70...

Anyway, if it's that small I probably wouldn't worry about it. What did you use to boot it? Exactly where in the tread is it? Is it 5 mm on the inside of the tire wall, the outside, or both straight through? Clean slit or chewed up?

EBAY. Free shipping too.

I used a patch. I did not do a "boot" yet.

It is a clean slit 5mm puncture through the tire wall down the middle of the tire (not the tire side walls).

[OakLeaf]

Like a tube patch? Just be sure it's well lubricated with cornstarch so it doesn't stick to the tube, and I wouldn't worry about it.

[rebeccaC]

With a 5mm cut I'd boot to get home and replace the tire. Half that size or less would be the limit of my confidence level in a tire I do my rides on.