Do I have a defective Ultremo

[phcollard]

Greetings!

I mounted a pair of brand new 700x28 Ultremo r.1 while waiting for my Hampsten and I noticed that there's a small area where the outer layer - if that's the correct name - is missing to the point where I can see the thread. And after I pumped the tire I also noticed that this outer layer is splitting... maybe one inch in length above the letter "E".

Picture is better than words so see below. What do you think? Is it defective?

Thanks for your thoughts!

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/service-des-courses/IMG_3568.jpg?t=1302565907

[akelman]

Yes, that's a manufacturing defect. Will it matter? I couldn't rightly say. Regardless, if you bought the tire new and relatively recently, I'd exchange it for a new one.

[thwart]

I'd say yes. That is a top of the line tire... I'd be looking for a (free) replacement.

One of the downsides of super thin race tires---there's not much room for manufacturing error.

Nice pic, BTW. :D

[phcollard]

Thanks guys. Email to Schwalbe on the way :D

And thanks for the comment on the pic!

[BrownBear]

I had that happen to be before and they not only replaced it but gave me a free one as well.

best of luck!

[phcollard]

Update less than 24 hours after I sent my email to Schwalbe. Their reply below. This is what I call stellar customer service!

Philippe,

Thank you for sending your photos.

Please remove both tires and cut them in half to make them unusable for others.

We will send a pair of new Ultremo ZX replacement tires this week.

Sincerely,

Klaus

[ultraman6970]

Wow man ZX :)

Sshwalbe is good stuff.

[echelon_john]

where are you guys getting these in 28?

thanks!
john

ps great customer servie--that's awesome.

[phcollard]

John you can purchase them directly from the Schwalbe America website:
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/racing_tires

Or order from your LBS :)

[Rueda Tropical]

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WCC&Product_Code=SCULXL&Category_Code=CTK

World Class Cycles carries all sizes of the Ultremo ZX for $51.95

PBK has the Schwalbe SV15 tubes cheap with free shipping.

Perfect combo.