Triumphrat

meinschaft · 09-04-2007

Heading for home yesterday after a nice long ride, about a mile away when the bike just didn't 'feel right'. Pulled off the road to find the rear tire FLAT. It was too far and hot to push the bike home, so I drove it - VERY slowly - about a mile. The tires, Avon Storm STs, were put on in late May of this year.

So here is my question: Am I going to have to replace that nearly new, expensive, rear tire? I can't see any obvious damage to the exterior, for what it's worth. And yes, they have tubes in them.

cafecruzin · 09-04-2007

You will probably Not have to replace the tyre .I've done the same thing and have not had a problem.when you put your new tube put in closely check your tyre.

KitNYC · 09-04-2007

I can't say I necessarily recommend it, but my current rear tire has 3 plugs in it....

I had it installed in late December '06, then caught a drywall screw with maybe 300 miles on it.

1000 miles later, I was on my way to see my then-girlfriend & noticed my rear wheel sliding around when I cornered. Sure enough, flat when I got there. I ended up (very slowly) riding another mile or 2 looking for a place to plug it.

The first time the above mentioned devil woman broke up with me was my only time riding drunk. Late in the evening, it became very clear that I would not be staying at her apartment that night. So, in the foulest imaginable mood, with 5 beers in me, I jumped on the BQE & converted my anger to speed. Holding 80 on really bad pavement most of the way home, I got to the horrible little bridge just before my exit. This bridge (the Kosciuszko) is very high in the air, & often has some seriously nasty crosswinds going on. On this particular night, it also had lots of exposed metal where there had once been asphalt. Entirely understandable that the rear should feel vague over that, but I checked the tires when I got home & sure enough the rear was flat again. (6" nail that time.)

So, yeah, I *personally* wouldn't worry about it. Just remember that I may not be sane & your results may vary.

Cheers,
-Kit

meinschaft · 09-04-2007

Good News! Just spoke with the folks at Avon Tyres. The Storm ST has a 100% road hazard warranty on this, and select other Avon tires. So it looks like a brand new tire will cost nothing; I have to pay for mounting, new tube & balancing.

justbrian · 09-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by meinschaft

Good News! Just spoke with the folks at Avon Tyres. The Storm ST has a 100% road hazard warranty on this, and select other Avon tires. So it looks like a brand new tire will cost nothing; I have to pay for mounting, new tube & balancing.

That's good news.

I would add that even if it were only the tube, a VERY thorough inspection of the tire would be needed, at least - crushing down the sidewalls like that for even a short distance could make the tire a bit more prone to cracking, etc. *Do* have your rim inspected prior to mounting the new tire. Riding on a flat is a good way to do some damage there.

That said, good choice or bad, in the summer heat I'd have probably said screw the consequences and hobbled it home too.

frankentona955 · 09-09-2007

Glad to hear that Avon has a road hazard program, that worked out pretty well for you.

On the subject of using a tire after you have driven on it flat: First, it's not something that is recommended, and there are good reasons for it. When you drive on a flat tire, you're pinching the sidewall/face of the tire between the rim and the road in a way that it was not designed to be. The cords that run in your sidewall are nylon, the steel belts that we all hear so much about are only found in the face, or tread, of the tire. As you ride on a flat, you will start to break some of these cords, which can cause a ply separation, which can lead to a blow out, which can lead to you maybe dying.

If you are really wanting to re-use the tire that you rode flat on, you need to give it a thorough inspection. This means that the tire must come completely off of the rim, and you must look at the inside of the tire. If you pull the tire off, and there is a bunch of rubber (almost looks like confetti) laying inside the tire, it's junk. Throw it out. If there's no rubber confetti, inspect the sidewall, if there's a ring of discoloration, there may be internal damage, and it's at your discretion that you continue to run it. Just remember, if you're in doubt, is it worth the $200+ for a new tire if the benefit is it reduces the chances of your life coming to an abrupt end?

If everything looks ok, and you need to repair the hole that caused the flat, remember the following: A plug is a temporary solution. If you have a tubed tire, then the plug can be a long term solution, but if your tire is tubeless, you need to get an internal patch. A plug may be sealed on the outside, and not allow air to escape the tire, but it can allow air to leak into the part of the tire that holds the cords, which can lead to a ply separation, then a blowout, and then you maybe dying.

In the end, it all comes down to how much value you place on your life.