tyre tear

[Juan]

I noticed a small tear in the centre of the rear tyre (OEM Battlewing 1 year old) It is a small tear, less than 1 cm (three-eights inch) long and runs horizontal in the centre, where the tyre touches the ground. The tyre still has 6mm thread on it and the depth of the cut is around half the thickness of the thread. I'm planning a longish ride next month and not sure if I should replace the tyre before that ride. I know that the safest answer would be to replace the tyre. But I'm finding it difficult to just replace it, knowing that it still has 6mm thread and that the cut is small and only around half thread deep. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.

 

[Frenchfries]

A picture would help,but according to the description, there is no reason to replace the tire. As long the structure of the tire is not compromised, you can ride safely. I have seen riders taking their tires to the very limit where the inner tread appears. So a 10 mm long crack by a few mill deep in the rubber does not matter. ::021::

 

[Juan]

Thank you Frenchfries. One worry less

 

[Juan]

Attaching a photo of the small tear. It's near the centre, a little to the left, marked with an arrow. Sorry, the photo isn't of good quality, but the tear can easily be seen. I've received mixed reactions till now. Thank you all for your opinion.

 

[Don in Lodi]

I'd be willing to bet that nobody here can go out to their rear tire and not find a small stress tear somewhere. Now, whether that's a stress tear or a hit from some sharp thingy, well that's not the issue here.

 

[Boondocker]

If I understand Juan's first post, the tread depth is 6mm and the cut is 3mm deep. I would think that such a cut is absolutely nothing to worry about. Wear off 3mm of tread, the cut will be gone, and you still won't be down to the wear bars.

Granted the Battlewings are not siped like proper wet weather tires, but siping is exactly that - shallow cuts in the tread designed to improve traction. It's not a safety concern.

Cuts and chunks out the tread (lugs) are expected in a tire's life. This one's not fatally wounded.

 

[justbob]

I would be more concerned about starting out on a longish ride with that amount of tread, more so than the little cut.
How many miles are on the tire and how many miles will you cover on your trip ?

 

[528Hz]

doesn't look like much. you should see k60's and mitas cracks, especially if they are not properly warmed up each time.
I will have to dig out a picture for you.

 

[markjenn]

This is nothing. Ride on. (Good for you for inspecting your tires though.) New BW rear thread starts out about 9mm, so you're about 40% worn on the tire. As far as tire planning for your trip, most of us get around 6K out of a BW rear, so figure you've got about 3.75K to go until the wear bars.

- Mark

 

[Juan]

Thanks all for you valued opinions.
The S10 (with OEM BWs) has around 7500 km (4700 miles) and thread remaining is 6mm (rear). On my trip next month I'll be doing around 4000 km (2500 miles) so I should be all right with the existing BWs. I ride solely on paved roads (very rarely do I touch gravel) and nearly always on 'T' mode. So I guess that helps with milage on tyres.

 

[Cloud09]

Juan, what I have read so far mate probably just a confidence thing in what you can see, looks ok but totally up to you, I suggest you take it somewhere close to home switch off the traction give it a quick work out and you will probably then forget about it!
I had nicely wearing K60s for the first 5K tyre life then couldn't help myself! flicked the switch went on some good gravel/dirt sections and now I have pieces missing off the tyre everywhere! its the second time I have done this halfway through tyres life! lmao....... so its not a coincidence ::025::

 

[oldbear]

I am a tire safety nut, and won't ride on "bad" tires (they are all that is between you and the road!) With that said, I agree with the rest of the guys. Looks like you are OK to me. ::021::