Triumphrat

WardenRoss · 07-23-2009, 09:33 PM

Howdy,

I had a small leak on my rear tire. The tire would leak down to about 19psi. I would pump it up, then it would leak down again.

Looking very closely, I found a small steel staple embedded in the tread. I decided to use my handy Stop & Go tire plugging kit. I thought I would take some pix for those of you unfamiliar with this product.

The Stop & Go kit uses a soft rubber mushroom shaped plug. This kit is a lifesaver if you are traveling. I feel the mushroom plugs are safer than a rope plug commonly used on tubeless tires.

Stop & Go recommends this repair as only a temporary fix to get you to a tire repair shop.

WardenRoss · 07-23-2009, 09:35 PM

WardenRoss · 07-23-2009, 09:37 PM

CalSprintster · 07-24-2009, 12:15 AM

Well done. Plugs have saved my bacon once or twice ... one notable time in the lovely town of Bishop, Calif. (where even birds are reluctant to take a dump).

Question ... will you run that tire to the end of its life? Or will you take it in to get it patched from the inside?

triumphite · 07-24-2009, 12:58 AM

I had to use the same thing on my last set of tires. Worked great! Kept going til I had to buy new tires......9k later!!

Great pics, too.

DaveM · 07-24-2009, 05:28 AM

Nice post thanks Warden Ross.

I agree on the string plugs I have used them in emergencies only to get me to a tyre or bike shop.

I have one of those Cargol kit thingys with CO2 bottles these days.

Thanks for the nice post again Warden Ross

DaveM

oldndumb · 07-24-2009, 10:01 AM

As for continuing to use a plugged tire, FWIW, even tire mfgrs that allow plugging void the warranty and limit the speed to a ridiculous low level. There are also restrictions according to the puncture location.

But, as in all things, it boils down to an individual choice. To me, a risk reward analysis says it is not a valid decision to continue using a plugged tire for normal activities. I value my hide and well being more than the price of a tire. I also carry a kit, but it is just to get me home.

The web is full of anecdotal comments about how long someone rode on their plugged tire. The problem with taking anecdotal comments as decision making factors is that there are too many variables to make a valid decision.

There is also a lack of web information describing tire failures caused by continuing to ride on a plugged tire. This may/may not be material but I find it strange and have to think that riders may be reluctant to post that information.

Just my 2 cents.

Be interesting to see what happens to this thread now that it has veered a bit. I suspect it will have legs because plugged tires approaches choice of oil when it comes to opinions.

CalSprintster · 07-24-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldndumb

The web is full of anecdotal comments about how long someone rode on their plugged tire. The problem with taking anecdotal comments as decision making factors is that there are too many variables to make a valid decision.

I agree there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. But I don't ever recall hearing of the failure of a properly installed mushroom plug. The one thing that gives me pause regarding mushroom plugs is that to work properly, the hole must be thoroughly reamed. If it WERE to fail, you'd lose all pressure very rapidly. We're talking blowout.

As far as manufacturers recommendations on ridiculously low speed ... true. But those recommendations are driven by lawyers, not engineers. In this day and age where everyone sues for anything, lawyers are scared to death to approve anything but a brand new tire.

My personal philosophy is this: I'll use a plug to get home. If there is a fair amount of mileage left in a punctured tire, I'll take it to a dealer, and let them seal it from the inside. Then, after a careful rebalance, I have no reluctance to ride the snot out of it for the life of the tire.

WardenRoss · 07-24-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldndumb

But, as in all things, it boils down to an individual choice. To me, a risk reward analysis says it is not a valid decision to continue using a plugged tire for normal activities. I value my hide and well being more than the price of a tire. I also carry a kit, but it is just to get me home.

For the record Your Honor:

WardenRoss wrote:

"Stop & Go recommends this repair as only a temporary fix to get you to a tire repair shop."

My reason for posting this was, if you need a temporary fix while traveling, this type of mushroom plug is IMHO a safer alternative to a rope type plug.

AngryGerman · 07-24-2009, 12:48 PM

Warden,
Brilliant post! Thanks for the well laid out guidance on the Stop-n-Go. I have the old rope plugs in my road kit but have never been much of a fan of them. I like the idea of the mushroom stopper much better plus I've been looking for a nice compact kit like this to replace my old rope plugger one. Thanks again for the post!

Cheers-
The Angry German (aka Randy)