Help a fellow Kiwibiker out?

**Peaty** · 24th December 2010, 20:21

Hey guys, Just posted in another second and only just joined but I need some help.

Tomorrow is christmas day and my only means of transport to see family is my Little scorpio z 225. I live in the central auckland on upper queen street and i've just found a small cut in my tyre due to a bottle being thrown from the second story of my apartment building by some drunk dick and hitting my tyre.

I'm not sure how this will affect the safety of my bike as i have to drive all the way to helensvile and around west auckland tomorrow. already this week i've had my phone and wallet stolen and am just wondering if anyone can help me out tonight.

Thanks, Nick.

**Little Miss Trouble** · 24th December 2010, 20:36

Originally Posted by Peaty

Hey guys, Just posted in another second and only just joined but I need some help.

Tomorrow is christmas day and my only means of transport to see family is my Little scorpio z 225. I live in the central auckland on upper queen street and i've just found a small cut in my tyre due to a bottle being thrown from the second story of my apartment building by some drunk dick and hitting my tyre.

I'm not sure how this will affect the safety of my bike as i have to drive all the way to helensvile and around west auckland tomorrow. already this week i've had my phone and wallet stolen and am just wondering if anyone can help me out tonight.

Thanks, Nick.

Is the air actually leaking out i.e. can you hear it? If not, is the tyre losing pressure? (I'm assuming you own a tyre pressure guage?)
If it doesn't appear to be losing pressure, recheck in the morning, if it is still holding pressure you should be fine to ride it.

Is this cut in the part of the tyre that comes in contact with the road or the side wall? Cuts/punctures are repairable with a tyre repair kit provided the side wall isn't damaged.

If the side wall is what is damaged and it is deflating/totally deflated then sorry to say you may have to have someone pick you up & drop you off as I can't think of anyone who would have another tyre and be able to fit it for you at this time of night or on Christmas day.

**paturoa** · 24th December 2010, 20:37

How small and where? Photo?

**Peaty** · 24th December 2010, 20:42

It's on the sidewall and about the length of a thumbnail. the tyre is tubed if thta makes a difference. I would take a photo but my phone was stolen yesterday as well and I don't have a camera.

I can't hear any air coming out and it doesn't appear that the pressure is going down either.

**Little Miss Trouble** · 24th December 2010, 21:00

Originally Posted by Peaty

It's on the sidewall and about the length of a thumbnail. the tyre is tubed if thta makes a difference. I would take a photo but my phone was stolen yesterday as well and I don't have a camera.

I can't hear any air coming out and it doesn't appear that the pressure is going down either.

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with tubed tyres. How deep is this cut?
If you don't have a tyre pressure guage and it still seems inflated in the morning perhaps ride very carefully/sedately to the nearest gas station and double check the pressure there

**Peaty** · 24th December 2010, 21:03

Ah yeah, but you rekcon the tyre integrity will still be ok for tomorrow?

Aslong as the pressure is all good?

**gatch** · 24th December 2010, 21:07

Check pressure in the morning. I'd still ride it if it's holding all the psi's inside.

I can only assume the cut hasn't gone right through the tire carcass and into the tube. Though if the tube was penetrated you would know.

If it isn't a ragged great hole with the tube sticking out like a hernia I'd still ride.

**Peaty** · 24th December 2010, 21:16

You reckon thats safe though? I'll take it to a 24 hour place and check pressure etc. giv eit a ride around town see how the tyre is.

**Little Miss Trouble** · 24th December 2010, 21:22

It sounds like a fairly superficial cut, so provided the tyre holds pressure you should be sweet. Pop over to Cycletreads when they reopen and get the guys to double check it for you if you're still worried. I'd recommend picking up your own tyre pressure guage while you're there, they are a much more reliable measure than the gas station ones.