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I'm having a Giant Roam bike with WTB Resolute SG2 tires (with bead-to-bead puncture protection belt) running tubes and after an harsh gravel/mountain-ish ride I noticed a small tear on the sidewall as seen in the image: enter image description here

As far as I can tell, the tube is not exposed, since what's seen in the crack is the extra belt for puncture protection and moreover tire doesn't seem to lose air (it's been 5 days already) so question is, should I be concerned? If yes, what's the best action?

Thanks

Chris Patsatzis
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    Does it bulge outwards? If not it’s probably very minor and no concern. – Michael Jun 30 '21 at 19:15
  • Doesn't seem so it's pretty "flat", thanks for your reassurance – Chris Patsatzis Jun 30 '21 at 19:35
  • "Legal Answer" yes, replace it. "Actual Rider Answer" cut a 2"x2" piece of tube and duct tape it on the inside of the tire (not tube), I have ridden months with actual cuts in my tire over an inch long... safe? maybe not, but never had a blow out doing that (see https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/9827/when-should-you-replace-tires-after-getting-a-flat/9856#9856 ) – BillyNair Jul 02 '21 at 01:59

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The only action I would take is to carry a tire boot kit such as Park Tool TB-2, and inspect the area often after riding, takes only few seconds to inspect it once. If it remains static over time, you can stop the regular inspections. If you want to be thorough and spend 5 minutes you could obviously deflate the tire, remove it from the rim, and inspect the area not only from the outer side but also from inside. I suspect the bias ply cords of the tire remain undamaged.

Usually bad sidewall tears cause the inner tube to explode immediately, making a loud bang. In theory there could be a sidewall tear that gets progressively worse over time.

The only way a sidewall damage can be harmful is that the inner tube explodes, either immediately due to a big hole, or alternatively poking slightly out and being abraded slowly.

It's always a good idea to carry all supplies for repairing tire damage: patch kit, boot kit, pump, spare tube, tire levers, necessary tools for removing and replacing the wheel if not quick release wheel, etc. Not only because of the damage you already have, but also for potential future damage. If you ride in conditions that can create the minimal probably harmless damage your tire has, it's possible the next ride creates even greater damage, something that damages the inner tube.

And also remember that unlike inner tube patches that are permanent, tire boots are only temporary. A damaged tire needs to be replaced.

juhist
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  • Thanks! I'm always carrying the patch kit with me, plus 2 spare tubes. Reason for being hesitant to deflate and inspect, since it seems that the tube is not visible is that I had a very hard time fitting those on my rims and I would try to avoid it unless I suspect that the tear is exposing the tube (in which case I'd have no alternative than to patch it). – Chris Patsatzis Jun 30 '21 at 17:34