bought a pair of 2.1 continental speed kings from JEjames 2 weeks ago, while checking the bike over after last weeks merida i have discovered one of the sidewalls is ripped – appx 10mm – i am surprised as i can not remember riding through anything that harsh, anyway i would appreciate feedback on the following; is this just tough, or is it worth going back to seller / continental? and / or, can you repair sidewalls – thanks Dave

One of mine (a 2.3″ one) did the same but the cut was about 40mm long going right across the height of the sidewall and into the tread area

You could try a big inner tube patch and do a good/careful job of patching it up on the inside?

stitch it or try a ust patch?

Your local agricultural shop will sell large thick patches singly for pence; if your in Devon or Somerset you may well be lucky and have a Mole Valley Farmers in your area.
http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/

Just use some duck tape inside the tyre and keep an eye that it doesn’t get any worse.

ok – thanks for help

I gave up on conti’s as nearly every tyre I have had (about 4 different models) all failed at sidewalls, never happened to any other brands I have used.

Had a new tyre on that ripped on both sides after 10 minutes into the first ride.

S*** Happens.

Had the same problem, conti uk replaced them, took a while though

Had two contis blow side walls whilst riding. Scared the bejeesus out of me both times. One was a mountain king, one a vertical I think.

Try sending it /taking it back to JEJ.If the tyre is realy mint you might get lucky.My lbs changed a conti gatorskin road tyre that split on me.

I’ve had Conti Speed Kings on the hardtail occasionally. They sure wear fast, but I’ve never had any sidewall splits.