puncture repair

[rodh]

Just looking over the rear tyre after work and noticed the head of a nail. Got out the long nosed pliars and pulled it out, guess what, loud hissing and deflation.

It's about a centimetre away from the centre line of the tyre in one of the tread grooves. It has penetrated at a perfect right angle to the surface of the tyre.

Can this be repaired? Plenty life left in the tyre so not keen on replacing it. It's an Avon Road Rider, these are cross ply as far as I know and I have had no complaints with it.

Rod

[vtwinfan]

Hi, yes it should be repairable, local Tyre dealers to me charge £15.00 to repair a puncture. you did best in pulling the nail out, at least it went down when you were off the bike and not riding to somewhere to get it repaired, like so many people do.

[rodh]

Thanks, took the wheel off and will try around tomorrow after work. Great having that one side swing arm. Only takes 10 mins to remove even with my pannier racks.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

With the longer Motad exhaust my rear wheel was hard to take off last time. But having removed the rear calliper the wheel rotated out that way.

Just thought I would share the thought.

[McF]

Repairs in the central part of the tread are legal and permitted. It is not legal to repair (and you would not want to) in the sidewall.

Ultimately, the decision to repair lies with the professionals - even if they look big, ugly and greasy, the guys in the tyre bay know best, so ask them.

I've had several similar sounding punctures repaired on the mighty pan and they hold up rather well. The process is well worth watching for your own piece of mind.

Cosmetically, it may look nicer to have the silencer on the opposite side to the single swinging arm but with the longer silencer fitted it is rather more awkward. As RJ says, moving the rear caliper helps a lot

[Buzzin (^_^)]

One thing to keep in mind: The type of repair.
In the car industry they merely put a bit of new rubber in with glue....works, but not very good for a bike tyre.
The preferred fix is (translated) 'an umbrella' type. It's similar to the normal rubber plug, but it has a head that goes on the inside of the tyre to prevent it coming out.
I have run 2 tyres this way and never had any problems with it.....
Some people will tell you it's dangerous, but this is mostly based on misconceptions. Yes, it's not as good as a brand new tyre....but stay under 120 mph and there really shouldn't be a problem....

[oddjob1]

repaired my rear tyre last week using string type you push in hole and twist..use the thicker ones for cars more reliable..takes 5 mins to fix..plenty available on fleabay.

[rodh]

Hi all, thanks for all the replies. The hole is probably only abot1/2mm, if that, so have taken it round to my local bike shop mot station, they will plug it tomorrow for a tenner. I am quite confident in the guy there, so should be fine.

I was in a bit of a hurry taking the wheel off so I just lifted the bike over a bit on the centre stand and got the wheel out on the silencer side without taking off the pannier frames or loosening anything. Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say.

I will check when I pick the wheel and tyre up tomorrow but I heard him say they will use the "mushroom" type of plug. This is the one with the umbrella shape to provide some mechanical sealing from inside the carcass.

I plan to stay on the modest side of 120 mph so all will be well but thanks for the experience related, I feel more confident.

Rod

[rodh]

Got wheel and tyre back today and refitted. Back on road for work in the morning. Looks good repair. Ten pounds, ok by me.

[Buzzin (^_^)]

10 pounds? wow .... my tyre fitter wouldn't even fit a tyre for that....let alone remove/repair/fit it
Then again....I don't plan on going there ever again....as my current tyre supplier puts them on for free