Cut in tire tread -- is it rideable?

[DeniseGoldberg]

I use Stelvios on my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket - a little tires bike, but it's set up as a raod bike. These tires are awesome. I highly recommend them.

Oh, and I agree with everyone else - change the tire!

--- Denise

[melissam]

OK, OK, I'm going to toss the tire. <sob> Actually, there's a bike store around here that recycles used tires and tubes, so maybe the tire won't be a total waste.

Running Mommy, I'm heartbroken to read about your experiences with Vredestein's and flats. I loved the tires for the 12 miles I rode yesterday. OK, the first 10 before the flat. It felt like some unseen force was pulling my bike forward. That's a nice feeling to have.

Triskelion and DeniseG, thanks for the recommendation on Stelvios and for the link. Yay, they come in 650's, and you're right -- shipping is very reasonable.

Thanks again, everyone!

-- Melissa

[Running Mommy]

Yeah M- I was heartbroken too! I loved mine mostly because they were so supple... sigh...

[melissam]

Stelvio's have been ordered and should be here by next weekend's ride.

Hopefully they'll be nice & supple & quick like the Vredestein's. Only less fragile.

The other heartbreaking thing is that I could have paid $5 extra and gotten road hazard insurance from biketiresdirect. Oh well, live & learn. Besides, the road hazard insurance would have gotten me a new Vredestein, and I would have been paranoid the whole time that I was on the verge of another flat.

Thanks again for the Stelvio recommendations. I have high hopes for them -- 700/23 (I know, not my size) is listed at 235 grams for both the Vredestein Fortezza and the Stelvio. That's a good sign.

Ooh, Conti Grand Prix 4000 is listed at 205 in 700/23.

I know, it's not just about the weight....

-- Melissa

[melissam]

Blah, the 650C Stelvios are on backorder, ETA = 1-2 weeks.

Some people have had success with using Shoe Goo in the cut tire. I think I'll boot it and try Shoe Goo while waiting for the Stelvios.

I know, I just can't give up on the stupid Vredestein.

[Triskeliongirl]

I noticed that Terry also sells them in 650cc, and they appear in stock:

Try this link: http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail....&item_no=24000

[melissam]

Triskeliongirl,

You are just a wealth of information! Thanks for the Terry link -- I hadn't even thought of trying them.

-- Melissa

[melissam]

Some people have had success with using Shoe Goo in the cut tire. I think I'll boot it and try Shoe Goo while waiting for the Stelvios.

I just wanted to give an update on this. I booted the tire, and filled the cut with Shoe Goo on Wednesday night, then let it cure for a couple of days. I rode a nice, flat, leisurely 20 miles with some other TE folks at the pre-Scharffen Berger Chocolate factory tour ride. I know, hard work, but someone's gotta do it...

The Shoe Goo held up great, and the tire felt fine. I'm not sure if I'd trust the tire for a more strenuous ride that involves a lot of high speed descents, but it seems pretty good for tooling around town.

Also, no flats or additional cuts after today's ride, which makes me very happy. I may get my $$ worth out of these tires yet!

-- Melissa