Conti GP4000S tyres - quick question on defect

[daddy cool]

Today I received 2 Conti GP4000S tyres from Halfords (for £25 each), as I heard they are a good upgrade. Just fitted both, and noticed one has a small patch missing, bit smaller than a 5p piece, which is stick/tacky to the touch. As these will be pumped up to ~120 psi, im getting the fear about a blow-out.

Just dropped Halfords customers service an email with the pic, asking if I can have a replacement sent to my local store, but wondered if im being a wuss - is it harmless?

[Jimbo.]

If the carcass isn't damaged and it's not bulging then it should hold, but at the same time with so little rubber there (esp. the sidewall), if you're going to get a puncture/cut anywhere, it'll be there.

If Halfords don't respond (I'd be surprised if they don't) I suspect Cambrian Tyres (the distributor) will be -very- interested.

[littleandy0410]

I wouldn't consider pumping that up to 100+PSI and then using it. A blow out could at worst cause you to crash and at best leave you stranded miles from home.

Not to mention the cost of the tyre - for £25+ I'd want better quality than that!

[daddy cool]

Cheers guys - that's what I thought. I'll call Halfords tomorrow if I haven't heard by lunchtime.

[yellowjack]

Probably a foreign body in the mould [vulcanising machine], which is either still there, or has come off with your tyre, or the mould wasn't properly lubricated prior to your tyre being produced. This fault should not have been allowed through QC/QA at the factory. There's a fairly good chance that it will be structurally sound, as the puncture protection and the casing are under the surface rubber, and are not visible in the photo, but there will be some loss of outer material and it's best if you get a new one to replace it. Looking at it, there's no reason why Halfords should not agree to the replacement. The fault is obvious and the tyre has clearly not been used.

How tyres are made... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_x0qPM8Ok

Edited by yellowjack on Wednesday 14th August 23:06

[scubadude]

FWIW Once you've worn off the outer surface (ridden a couple of miles) the whole tyres are slightly tacky to the touch, one of the reasons IMO they are so good.

However- I would return that instantly and not use it, even if it works ok now, there is no saying what might happen in weeks/months. Not worth the risk.

[S10GTA]

Wouldn't even consider using that.

[daddy cool]

Called up my local branch, they said bring the duff one in tonight, and they'll order a replacement which should be there for the weekend, so fingers crossed that'll be alright.

Im gagging to see what they are like, everyone raves about them - im counting on them to provide me some new personal bests!