Glass proof tyres

[TheInternet]

Yes, another what tyre thread, this time it's all about the glass. My current London commute is an absolute tyre-wrecker thanks to the thousands of pieces of glass that litter the place. Most result in small inconsequential nicks, but the occasional bit will cut a deathly gash into the rubber.

The existing Gatorskins at the moment are a bit of a disappointment, whereas I get the impression that a Marathon Plus will be up to the job but heavy and less pliable. Anything in between that's worth trying?

ETA - 400 miles old (and worse than it looks in the pic):

Edited by TheInternet on Tuesday 2nd April 15:05

[Mr Will]

Assuming it's not gone through the puncture protection belt then that tyre is still perfectly sound. They might look ugly but there is no reason those gashes should stop you riding.

[TheInternet]

Mr Will said:

Assuming it's not gone through the puncture protection belt then that tyre is still perfectly sound. They might look ugly but there is no reason those gashes should stop you riding.

The image does not show how distorted it is, and this was one of the few that also managed to puncture the inner tube too. Normally I'd agree with you about the cords but when it bulges so much it is hard to believe it is as strong/reliable as it was. I've tried supergluing to no good effect, I should perhaps just fill it with something else to stop more detritus getting in, and keep my Oyster card handy.

[Mr Will]

TheInternet said:

Mr Will said:

Assuming it's not gone through the puncture protection belt then that tyre is still perfectly sound. They might look ugly but there is no reason those gashes should stop you riding.

The image does not show how distorted it is, and this was one of the few that also managed to puncture the inner tube too. Normally I'd agree with you about the cords but when it bulges so much it is hard to believe it is as strong/reliable as it was. I've tried supergluing to no good effect, I should perhaps just fill it with something else to stop more detritus getting in, and keep my Oyster card handy.

If it's punctured and bulging then it does sound like it's gone all the way through. Replacement time I'd say

If you've got the space it might be worth going up to 25mm and running slightly lower pressures -apparently this makes the tyres less susceptible to sharp objects.

[TheInternet]

Mr Will said:

If you've got the space it might be worth going up to 25mm and running slightly lower pressures -apparently this makes the tyres less susceptible to sharp objects.

I was under the impression that higher pressures were better for puncture protection. Unfortunately this was already a 25mm, I may see if I can squeeze anything bigger in.

[Mr Will]

TheInternet said:

Mr Will said:

If you've got the space it might be worth going up to 25mm and running slightly lower pressures -apparently this makes the tyres less susceptible to sharp objects.

I was under the impression that higher pressures were better for puncture protection. Unfortunately this was already a 25mm, I may see if I can squeeze anything bigger in.

Higher pressures protect against pinch-flats caused by hitting potholes and the like, but are worse against sharp objects because of the smaller contact patch and reduced deformation. That's the theory at least!