On a run to Marikina earlier to get leather stuff, my trusty Xootr suddenly developed a strange rhythmic thump, as if the road had a small hump. The rear wheel started to sway with each thump, and the bike bucked slightly as if it were a bit drunk. Alam ko na ito, this has happened to me several times in the past. I stopped and inspected the rear wheel, and saw this 2+ inch tear in the tire casing, the high tire pressure making the tire bulge in this area. This was causing the thumping sound. I walked the bike to the nearest bike shop, which was almost 2 kilometers away.The Schwalbe Kojaks that I had on were decent tires, but had several thousands of kilometers on it, so I guess they were ripe for replacement.And what a time for it to be replaced! It was hot, nearly noontime, I was sweaty, but it could have been much worse if the tire blew while I was at speed.
Things to consider:
1) Always check your tires. I haven't checked my tires for a long time, maybe I could have caught something if I did. I think this tear started off as a tire cut by broken glass.
2) Lower your pressure a bit. Summer is upon us, so if you run your tire pressure at max before you go out tthe door, chances are your tires will gain some 10 psi due to the heat Compensate this by lowering your pressure a bit.
3) If you hear or feel something from your bike that isn't natural, stop and investigate.
4) Always carry some money with you. In this case, I had to shell out some 250 pesos for a replacement tire. The other option, if I didn't have money, was to take a long walk home.
Be safe everyone!
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