Was all set for a ride out to the Manor Cafe for their first bike night of the year. Took all the security off the bike, took it off the stand, tried wheeling it out of the shed And it wouldn't move Heaved even harder on the bars and it rolled back a little, checked I hadn't left a disc lock on Nope... Tried again...got a little further, but really struggled .. Rusty chain kinked...nope Brakes binding...a little but never like this...nope not those either Braced a foot against the bench and gave a last almighty heave and it rolled... But made a funny squeaking noise...like rubber on rubber...!! Surely not...pressed the back tire with calibrated thumb....yep Flat bloody tyre.. Obviously picked it up last week when out for a blast Luckily it's in the centre of the tread, I would've been really cheesed off if it had been in any spot that meant another tyre, it's only done about 800 miles since fitting..
Got the puncture repaired....however..not entirely happy When I took the wheel in, they asked if it was a Michelin They said that Michelins have a habit of not sealing properly and leaking They fixed the puncture, but only with a patch, and lo and behold..it's leaking They reckon it'll only be around 1psi a week and just top it up before going for ride. I was surprised they never used a mushroom patch for starters, I worked as a tire fitter for three years and always used mushroom patches, never had one leak. Has anyone ever heard the issues with Michelin tyres not sealing properly, or was I getting bullshi##ed
I could be wrong, not that rare an event I know, but aren't Michelin one of the few tyre manufacturers who actually say that their tyres can be repaired?
I agree with exuptoy, it's a load of shoite. They are paid to carry out a robust repair using patches and/or plugs. I've used Michelin tyres for years and never had any issues. Ok I have to up the psi now and then but that's when it's been parked up for a month or three. I'd go back and tell them to fix the puncture correctly. I think it's a bit shocking they sent you on your merry way with a defective repair, maybe a threat with legal action might help !! Hope you get sorted pal.
If I had a way of getting the tyre off myself, I'd fix it myself, got the compressor, vulcanising solution, mushroom plugs can be bought anywhere and like I said done it for years as a job, it would give me more confidence in the repair Does anyone have any tips on getting tyres off ??
If using levers make sure you use the plastic sleeves for the wheel before you use them. Get one side of the tyre into the well to give the slack to get the tyre up and over the rim. You've done it before, it'll be fine. Loads of lube!! oooerr!
I've got one on these http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=281095181771 big levers and rim protectors
Done tyres with levers, but they were either bicycle or HGV...extremes of the scale you'll agree. For everything else it's been the Corghi machines.... Actually..thinking about it...I might just pay a visit to the guys who I trust with my car/van tyres, they have always been spot on. The puncture I got done by the company I bought the tyres from, they have a history of bike racing, so a little surprised by how things have panned out..
I had my last Michelin pilot pure plugged twice with no problems, so think they are talking out of their arse!
Well..went back today and complained about the tyre still leaking and also the fact that Michelin say their tyre can be repaired up to 3 times. Could they try again and use a mushroom patch this time... The answer was..."no...no point, tried mushroom patches and they still leak..it's just the tyre, the carcass composition on Michelins...etc etc Just have to live with it or buy another tyre" So..I took my custom elsewhere, I did go to my regular tyre place that does my van tyres, however they don't have the machine for bike rims, but could do the puncture no problem. In the end I went to the bike shop where I get my chain lube and other bits and bobs from, told him what the score was and his answer was..."bullsh*t, leave it with me and I'll sort it and no leaks".. Might just email Michelin and ask them about the leaky carcass issue... Email sent..lets see what Mr Michelin has to say...
Personally I'd name and shame the wankers too and I'd publicise the fact to them that it'll cost them more in bad publicity than they'd make from their wasted time! Bikers are a funny lot and the internet is so wide reaching, you'd be surprised how it can affect things. I'd even look for those review sites that people look for when reviewing local suppliers etc.
Got a reply from Michelin UK regarding this puncture issue Hello Tom, Thanks for getting in touch with Michelin. Michelin are in fact the only premium tyre manufacturer in the UK that authorises permanent repairs to its ZR rated tyres, such as your Pilot Road 4 tyres. There is absolutely no reason why the carcass construction on our tyres would prevent a proper airtight repair being carried out. As with the British Standards guidelines on tyre repair BSAU195F, we ONLY recommend using mushroom type repairs with a maximum diameter of 3mm for ZR rated tyres. We never recommend minor tyre repairs of any type be repaired with a patch. A patch does not seal the penetration site from contamination, while a mushroom plug type repair seals from the inside and along the length of the puncture site and through the tread area, and is mechanicaly secure. The British Standard BSAU195f gives "Specification for repairs to tyres for motor vehicles used on the public highway" and has been adopted by the AA, the BRMA (British Rubber Manufacturers Association), NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association), RHA (Road Haulage Association) and many others, as the standard to which tyres should be repaired to in the UK. It states that tyres repaired in accordance with this standard "shall be able to operate at their original speeds, loads and inflation pressures". Repairs should only be entrusted to a specialist who will accept total responsibility for the repair. I hope that this helps, Best regards, Tony Tony Charlton 2w Product Technical Manager UK & ROI
I think a phone call to a solicitor would be a good thing. The repair centre basically put you at risk because of a non standard repair. Like barstewardsquad said I'd print it off, then discuss with a legal bod and then go and see them (note what colour they turn and what noises come from their rear end). Might just get yourself some new tyres and a very big apology. Big up on speaking to Michelin.
