My front tire is slashed..or defect?

[derstuka]

Whelp, I have only had these continental road attacks since August 20th or so, and today while inspecting the ole girl outside of work I find this (see below) anomaly. I know it the gash/slash could have been caused by something cutting my tire, however for some reason seeing some of the rubber cracks that you see beneath it looks like it could be a molding defect. It is probably almost impossible to tell what I am talking about from the pics. And the reason the gash looks so big, is because I pulled it apart. The straightness of the gash makes me think it was caused by something cutting my tire, but I am still skeptical. Either way, I am SOL....no riding this weekend.

[34468 Randy]

Jason,

Better to error on the side of caution, but if that crack/slash depth is less than the depth of the tire tread, would it not stand to reason that it is still safe? I also notices some markings on the edge of your rim at that spot as well whcih I am sure you also noted.

[2ndVFR]

Originally Posted by 34468 Randy

Jason,

Better to error on the side of caution, but if that crack/slash depth is less than the depth of the tire tread, would it not stand to reason that it is still safe? I also notices some markings on the edge of your rim at that spot as well whcih I am sure you also noted.

It is not safe. Cut/crack/slash like that has much higher stress concentration. The tire tread groove has much surface area to spread the stress.

[drewl]

That sucks, Bro.

[derstuka]

Yeah, I know it is not safe, I only planned on riding it home, and that is it. I was just trying to figure out what caused it. I looked at it again, closer, and longer, and I really think that this is a defect based on the cracks around it. I know it will probably get me no where, just cost me time, and get me frustrated, but I e-mailed both continental and tireexpress.com just for the hell of it.

I know they will , but what the hell, everybody needs a good screw now and again....

[reg71]

aww hell you could ride on that. just keep the front off the ground. sheez...

{FWIW I have an extra front Pirelli that only has 4000 miles or so... }

[Scubalong]

That is suck Bud.......I feel for you. Like Reg said just ride one wheel......hahaha

[Y2Kviffer]

That sucks bud. I hope they'll make good on it, but proving it's a defect will probably be tough.

[SCraig]

Put the cut at the top, wrap about 20 layers of duct tape around fender and wheel. Ignore sound of tire sliding while riding.

Seriously, I hope Conti takes care of it for you, but it will be hard to prove. Of course if there happened to be several of them that came out defective at the same time perhaps people have already contacted them about similar problems.

[derstuka]

Yeah, I expect them not to do a damn thing about it (that is why I will buy a new one right away), but I still want to see if they will prove me wrong, and do something about it.

[Fizz]

Curious damage indeed. Though, the gash doesn't seem to follow the arc of the tire. It's highly suspect some foul play... but who could do that to you? You're so wuvable! <3

[Nungboy]

That is a big bad bummer, Dive Bomber! I think you are right to both contact them AND buy a new one...you are covered right away and if they break loose a new tire for you...yippee! Please keep us informed.

[emon07]

Hey man bummer - I am anal when it comes to tires and brakes. I would replace the tire and try to get Contential to replace the tire. I like to ride year round and have had some issues with flat tires. I use the Avon Storm ST tires and they come with a road hazzard warranty. Last year I got a flat after about a month of riding and did get a warranty replacement tire, but it took a few days and I and to go to a Dealer. From that experience I decided to get a spare set of tires so when I have a flat I can still ride while I wait for the warranty replacement tire. I also have a Yamaha YZF 600R and just recently got a flat after exactly 3 weeks of riding. I had the dealer fax the form to Avon on Oct. 7 and did not get the warranty replacement tire until last week. During that time I bought another set of tires so I can stay on the road while I wait for the warranty replacement. Yeah it costs a little, but it is worth having a spare set of tyres.

[jaimev34]

That sucks man. Glad you caught it.

[RVFR]

I'd go find some good left handers and work it, if there's no problem then ride on, if something comes of it, well guess you know where you stand. Sorry to hear this, LOL no I'm not, the weather up here sucks big time, so I'm not feeling bad for you where you are..