The Beacon Message Board

**flat**d on the way home - cut to the sidewall. Shall I throw the tyre out now?? Expecting that the answer is yes, but tyre is pretty new and otherwise good condition.

That cut isn't very big. Therefore, if it's not at/close to the contact point with the rim, it'll probably be fine with a 'boot' glued on the inside. A boot is a thin, non-elastic fabric patch, typically supplied with **flat** repair kits (but you can improvise). I would keep a close eye on it after booting, though, and replace if there is any sign of the cut getting bigger with use. Also, if it's on the front, I would consider moving it to the back, so that a blow-out is less likely to bring you off.

Ive had a new tyre get damaged in a similar way by the tyre sliding into a crack in the road, tearing the side wall.
IMHO - bin it.
Not worth the risk.
A boot is Ok at protecting the inside and further flats in the short term, but it will be subject to wear and abuse on the outside, which will only get worse and if it was mine I'd always be wondering if it is OK.

Thanks Si - I think that would be my mindset