Would You Replace the Tire If...

[PscyclePath]

If the slit is in the sidewall, absolutely... replace the tire. If it's in the tread, and you're wanting to eke out a few more miles, put one of the long, rectangular vulcanized patches over the hole from the inside of the tire (like a boot), then a strip of duct tape over that for a little security.

I booted one of the Vittorias on my road bike like that yesterday when a piece of glass punched an annoying little hole through the tread. I'll keep an eye on it for awhile while I look for a matching tire... It's only got about 2700 miles on it so far... ;-)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If the slit is in the sidewall, absolutely... replace the tire. If it's in the tread, and you're wanting to eke out a few more miles, put one of the long, rectangular vulcanized patches over the hole from the inside of the tire (like a boot), then a strip of duct tape over that for a little security.

Well I did just that this morning.
I have some very expensive Continental Grand Prix 4 season tires with only 1,000 miles on them. The other day I saw a little piece of glass just a moment too late to avoid it, and I heard a creepy snapping sound as I went over it.
I found the glass had punched a little 1/8" slit in my rubber right in the center, and I could see the mesh belt if I gently pulled the slit open. DAMN!
I rode an easy 20 mile ride after that with no problem and the tire is not losing air, but I felt uneasy.
So yesterday I first put some epoxy into the slit on the outside and let that dry overnight.
This morning I took the tire off, lightly sanded the inside trouble area, and applied a long 1"x1/2" tire patch from my patch kit. I put a layer of duct tape smoothed on over that. I feel way safer now.

I must add however that if this tire had had 3,000 or more miles on it already, I would have definitely just replaced it with a new tire.

PsyclePath- I had thought of doing a boot, but thanks for spelling out the details.