My rear tube exploded at the end of a 10-mile ride today. I had just purchased this used bike from a co-op, and an employee at the co-op inflated the tires for me before I rode out. I can’t tell if he overinflated it, or if the tube was pinched under the tire, but I find it odd that the explosion happened after ten miles of riding. Anyway, I’m not sure if the tire sidewalls were damaged from the tube exploding. I can’t tell whether the fact that some of the bead is exposed (see image) means the tire is finished. Any thoughts?
by bicycle__
3 Comments
Looks like the sidewall ruptured right by the bead. They’re not gonna be safe to ride on, but you probably won’t need to worry about that – I’d be surprised if you can get a tube to 20 pounds before it bursts because of it.
My guess is no damage from the tube exploding, but it exploded for some reason. A tire has to be very overinflated for the bead to unseat and let the tube explode.
I’d take a close look at the rim to make sure a bend or other issue there wasn’t the reason the tire unseated. Maybe an issue with the rim, maybe with the tire, and least probable to me is only overinflation
It looks like the sidewall might have separated from the bead and the tube burst because it tried to escape from the hole. If there is a hole then the tire is trash. Lucky for you Kenda makes a tire that looks nearly identical for like $15. If there is not a hole then that damage is from the tube pushing the tire off the rim, probably because it wasn’t seated correctly. New tube should be plenty. Those tires look a bit old, so may consider replacing just to be safe if money isn’t tight. Kenda still makes a similar tire for like $15. Or consider upgrading to a more modern road bike tire.