The Great Tire Debate

Having worked the Service Counter on more than one occasion over the last 25 years, I always seem to be giving the same explanation on why Chicago Sports & Cycle doesn’t repair flat tires. Many riders believe that it is “OK” to not only repair their flat, but to consider that repair as permanent. I am of the “other” philosophy. In quoting an article from Cycle World, “repairing punctured tubeless tires poses too many unknowns to allow a comfortable margin of safety.”

When a tire suffers damage, even cleanly from a nail hole, neither the rider or repairer can be absolutely certain that there is no underlying damage to the carcass or belts. Nor can the rider or repairer be absolutely certain that the repair, whether it be plugging or sealing with liquid or foam sealant is going to hold up to the demands of high speed riding, cornering and braking. In fact, in the cases of plugging (the most common repair done in a repair facility), the repairer, in most instances, must first enlarge the hole which can tear or rip more of the carcass fabric.

So, still not convinced? Let’s look at a repair kit. When you read the instructions on the repair kit, they will state that they “usually” do a very good job at sealing the puncture, but is “usually” good enough? When you only have 2 tires and “usually” doesn’t work in your case, are you physically, mentally, and financially prepared for the “other” result.

The package also strongly recommends that you only ride at a moderate or safe speed until you have the tire replaced. So who determines what a moderate or safe speed is? And since we know that there are a lot of other factors including the individual model as well as tire design and compound, wouldn’t moderate vary from bike to bike.

Lastly, if Chicago Sports & Cycle has such a strong opinion on repairing tires, why do they sell all of those tire repair kits? Well, it’s because we know that you can get a flat at any time which can put a big damper on your party if you were riding through the desert at the time. Motorcyclist’s always seem to find the best, but most desolate roads to ride, so a flat tire at the wrong location can strand you for hours or even days. Therefore, repair kits DO have a place in our world. They serve a much needed purpose for those traveling those roads less traveled. In an emergency, these kits get you safely off of the road and to the nearest tire store. But as for them being a permanent repair, you have to decide if “usually” or “fairly good” are good enough. Are you surrounded by enough good Karma, or do you just feel lucky today?

US Motorcycle Legislature Updates

As part of our continued attention to the sport of motorcycling, CSC will be providing an update to the changes in laws affecting motorcycling from across the country. This doesn't mean that you should not be aware of all of the laws affecting your travel through the various states across the country, nor will we be providing all the laws that affect you. Please remember that ignorance of the law is not a defense. But we will try to increase your awareness with the ones we find.

US: The "Red Flag Rules" have once again been delayed for motorcycle dealerships. It has been extended to November 1, 2009. For more information go to www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule. As a note, Chicago Sports & Cycle has already implement Red Flags Rule and was in compliance at the first deadline of November 2008. For information, please ask Kathi or Kevin.

Missouri: HB253 specifically permits the use of compliant motorcycle headlamp modulators. These devices vary the intensity of motorcycle headlamps from their maximum intensity to a lesser intensity under certain conditions. Although already authorized by federal regulations, motorcyclists throughout the country continue to receive warnings and citations for their use. The bill was signed into law in Missouri July 7, 2009.

Missouri: HB683 and SB368 created an affirmative defense for motorcyclists and bicyclists stuck at an intersection controlled by a traffic-actuated signal that fails to recognize their vehicle. After coming to a complete stop, motorcycle and bicycle operators may proceed with extreme caution after waiting for an unreasonable amount of time and after having determined that the vehicle detection device failed to recognize them. The Governor of Missouri singed HB683 into law July 1st 2009 and SB368 into law on July 9th 2009.

US: Texting. This issues is gaining national attention following the puclication of a New York Times article alleging that the Nat Hwy Traffic Safety Admin withheld distracted-driver data to avoid angering Congress. With that data public, Sec of Transportation, Ray LaHood, then announced an upcoming summit on distracted driving to be held in September 2009. Details have yet to be released, but information can be found on the event's webpage at http://www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit/. Also, a new study conducted by VA Tech Trans Inst reports that when long haul truck drivers texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting. Now four US Senators are pushing for legislation to ban texting while driving anywhere in the country (see http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/29/texting.ban/index.html).