Replacing tires after catching a curb?

[TomD]

Hey guys, I was riding home last night in the dark and ended up mis-judging a curb. I thought I was on the sidewalk but just missed it and before I knew it my front tire was kissing the curb and I went off. Fortunately my rear pannier saved the derailleur and the fame shockingly did not get scratched up as the pedal and handlebar grip kept the frame off the ground as the bike came to a stop. I'm fine, just a slight bruised on my hip and elbow with some rug burn. The sidewall of the front tire shows some curb burn and wondering if it makes sense to replace. It seems fine but last thing I want is the tire blowing out at 35 mph on a downhill stretch. Thoughts?

 

[smorgasbord]

Maybe you need a better photo - I see some dust, not a curb rash.

 

[AHicks]

Run it. If there was significant damage, you would likely see a knot or a bulge in the damaged area - learned that the hard way!

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Schwalbe tires have various levels of side wall thickness. This particular tire has ECE-R75 certification and reinforced sidewall.

By the looks of it, it should be fine. For E-MTB's they have "snake skin" sidewall layer to minimize damage from thorns, bushes etc. Either way, I feel you should be ok.

 

[Sierratim]

Looks like your pannier took a bigger hit than your tire! I'd ride it as is, but that just's me...

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I suspect you are fine. If you are really worried I'd recommend deflating the tire, reinflating it to maximum pressure, and letting it sit overnight. The next day inspect the tire to see if it is deforming or bulging. If it isn't you are good, so just let air out to get to your preferred tire pressure and ride on.

 

[byunbee]

Hey guys, I was riding home last night in the dark and ended up mis-judging a curb. I thought I was on the sidewalk but just missed it and before I knew it my front tire was kissing the curb and I went off. Fortunately my rear pannier saved the derailleur and the fame shockingly did not get scratched up as the pedal and handlebar grip kept the frame off the ground as the bike came to a stop. I'm fine, just a slight bruised on my hip and elbow with some rug burn. The sidewall of the front tire shows some curb burn and wondering if it makes sense to replace. It seems fine but last thing I want is the tire blowing out at 35 mph on a downhill stretch. Thoughts?

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View attachment 56135

I don't see anything other than some scratches. I doubt that the tire will blow because of that.

 

[FlatSix911]

Glad to hear that you are fine... the tire looks good to go.

 

[TomD]

Thanks for the feedback. The lighting was dark when I took the picture so it's hard to see the curb burn but I think it's fine, rode it today and didn't notice anything unusual. Just wasn't sure how much reinforcement the sidewall has. So far I've been impressed by these Moto X tires and puncture resistance.