Ultegra wheel totalled but Gatorskin reusable?

OfflerCrocGod

I recently had my front wheel destroyed but when I was getting a replacement wheel the bike mechanic said the tire was too dangerous to reuse. I wasn't sure if that was the case but it seemed plausible so I bought new Gatorskins too. Before I throw it all out though I was wondering if anyone had tried salvaging a Gatorskin in this condition or if the recommendation would be that it's scrap?

http://imgur.com/QNU9tXp,pBJDacI#0
http://imgur.com/QNU9tXp,pBJDacI#1

OldBean

I'd chuck it, unless you wanted to run it on a turbo trainer - You don't know what stress has gone through the rubber, and how long you can trust it for, or at what pressures.

It's your main contact point with the road, if it goes, you're up sh*t creek. I'd say the same with about handlebars, stems and seatposts. Not worth the risk nor worry.

Alek

Should be fine, unless you have hit something so hard that it cut the tyre too. What exactly happened? Are you Is the bike ok?

Alek

You don't know what stress has gone through the rubber

Rubber can take stress very, very well I'd be worried about the casing, but if there is no sign of major damage it should be fine, too.

cython

Wire or folding bead? If the former, I'd definitely bin it. If the latter, and if it comes off the wheel straight and unkinked, I'd be slightly more optimistic, but only slightly. For example, it kind of looks like the tyre may have become pinched in the bend in between the rim walls (should be clear if you have to use force to get the tyre out of that section), in which case the sidewall might be compromised. Even without that, depending on if.when the air was released, you might still have damage from that rim edge.

In fact the more I type this out, I wouldn't actually consider putting it on a front wheel, and would be hesitant about rear even, seeing as you risk losing the tyre's biggest selling point if there is any damage, i.e. reduction in punctures! Of course if you want to take it off and try putting it on another wheel, that's the first step, and just make note of where the rim bends were on the tyre to inspect those sites once inflated. Even inspect those sections before remounting it.

Wishbone Ash

cython wrote: »

Wire or folding bead? ..

My first thought also!

OfflerCrocGod

Folding. The turbo trainer idea is interesting but I'll skip going out on the road with it, not worth the risk by the sound of it. Thanks all.

OfflerCrocGod

My GF drove my car into a car park height bar, totalled the front wheel and the roof rack.

Alek

Guys above are right: a nonfolding one would be a write-off, haven't though of this.

As it is a folding one though, I'd say it may be fine. Just inspect the bead carefully for signs of any pinching or deformation.

OldBean

Alek wrote: »

Rubber can take stress very, very well I'd be worried about the casing, but if there is no sign of major damage it should be fine, too.

I agree, but rubber takes stress so well it can also not show its ware well - which means it can't always be trusted! Exterior might be alright, but inside weakened, etc.

For the sake of not wondering if it's an issue whilst on a downhill, I'd rather scrap it or relegate it to a trainer. But I'm paranoid about that kinda thing.

on_the_nickel

OfflerCrocGod wrote: »

My GF drove my car into a car park height bar, totalled the front wheel and the roof rack.

On the plus side, brownie points for life.