Repairing Michelin Pro 4's? - Can You...

Churchill123

So in a nutshell, got a slight tear in the side wall on a relatively new Michelin Pro 4.. The inner tube when inflated to 110psi ish starts to pop through the tear in the side wall - Can you repair this or it a new tyre job?

mitchgixer6

I had a similar issue with a practically new Vittoria open clincher. Really didn't want to throw it out due to the cost of the tyre. My cut wasn't in the sidewall but I can't see why the same solution wouldn't work for you.

I got an old water bottle and cut a square out big enough to cover the cut. I then stuck this to the inside of the tyre using masking tape. I then used super glue on the outside to fill the cut. Then fit the inner tube as normal. This has been working for me with no issues for over a year. Due to the repair I always carry a spare tyre though just in case, and you're always at risk of a blow out if the repair fails, but this will always be the case if your willing to repair the tyre.

Good luck!

MrGrumpy

Churchill123 wrote:

So in a nutshell, got a slight tear in the side wall on a relatively new Michelin Pro 4.. The inner tube when inflated to 110psi ish starts to pop through the tear in the side wall - Can you repair this or it a new tyre job?

for me I would not risk it not the sidewall, I`ve had cuts along the top etc and have superglued them. However if the inner tube is poking through no chance even fitting a tyre boot etc not worth a blow out.

Pro4s don`t seem to be any better than the pro3s for getting cuts, fast tyres but not very hardy.

desweller

I usually have some strips (roughly 2"x3") of toothpaste tube as el cheapo tyre boots in my toolbox and saddlepack for this scenario. Just wrap a piece round the inner tube in the affected area and you're good to go. I've had 'em last for thousands of miles - you do have to remember to refit the boot though if you have to change the tube.

Grill

MrGrumpy wrote:

Churchill123 wrote:

So in a nutshell, got a slight tear in the side wall on a relatively new Michelin Pro 4.. The inner tube when inflated to 110psi ish starts to pop through the tear in the side wall - Can you repair this or it a new tyre job?

for me I would not risk it not the sidewall, I`ve had cuts along the top etc and have superglued them. However if the inner tube is poking through no chance even fitting a tyre boot etc not worth a blow out.

Pro4s don`t seem to be any better than the pro3s for getting cuts, fast tyres but not very hardy.

Completely disagree. I've done over 3,000 on each of the 3 pairs I've had (in all conditions) and haven't had any issues with cuts.

I do agree that you should bin any tyre with a sidewall cut.

MrGrumpy

My experience is different but then again I`m probably harder on tyres. However lets not forget Pro3 or 4 are race tyres not really meant for general commuting duties but we all like to go fast

Grill

MrGrumpy wrote:

My experience is different but then again I`m probably harder on tyres. However lets not forget Pro3 or 4 are race tyres not really meant for general commuting duties but we all like to go fast

Yes and I use them daily in all 4 seasons. I don't know what metric you use to gauge how hard on a tyre you are (as compared to me without knowing what or how I ride), but I'm fairly certain that my 10,000+ miles over 4 sets makes me more qualified to speak on their longevity.

Churchill123

Thanks for the feedback lads! - I've ordered another pro 4, lets hope i have a little more luck with this one

Velonutter

Bin it, I can regularly get up to around 50mph downhill and on some descents faster, I would never risk a side wall cut, for £20+ is your life really that invaluable? Sure to get home I have used crisps packets folded and stuffed as a tyre boot and ridden carefully, but would never use this on a regularly basis.

When you come off it hurts...a lot ! :roll: :shock:

Churchill123

Velonutter wrote:

Bin it, I can regularly get up to around 50mph downhill and on some descents faster, I would never risk a side wall cut, for £20+ is your life really that invaluable? Sure to get home I have used crisps packets folded and stuffed as a tyre boot and ridden carefully, but would never use this on a regularly basis.

When you come off it hurts...a lot ! :roll: :shock:

Point taken - Tyre ordered and delivered in time for the weekend

Monty Dog

Use a tubeless tyre repair patch - they're reinforced so won't tear

desweller

Velonutter wrote:

Bin it, I can regularly get up to around 50mph downhill and on some descents faster, I would never risk a side wall cut, for £20+ is your life really that invaluable? Sure to get home I have used crisps packets folded and stuffed as a tyre boot and ridden carefully, but would never use this on a regularly basis.

When you come off it hurts...a lot ! :roll: :shock:

A tyre carcass isn't constructed from some unobtainium whose properties cannot be found in any material available to ordinary man, you know. There's nothing wrong with a well thought through tyre boot (crisp packets are not well thought through tyre boots).

mitchgixer6

Indeed. At least if you've repaired the tyre to the best of your ability then you know it's been done properly plus you'll know to check it before every ride.

IMHO if you're regularly doing 50± mph on down hills you're taking a huge risk anyway. All it takes is a small nick or foreign body in the tyre and there's as much risk of a blow out.