Follow up on my Avon Venom experience.
I'm in the middle of a trip encompassing the national, now in MN, and anticipate a run through the Appalachians.
The tire developed a flat spot, it has never been looked up/skidded. Upon closer examination, there is a split in the groove about an inch and a half long centered in the flat spot. There are also other smaller splits in other grooves. These are not wide splits, just looked sort of like cuts. No other signs of defect, inside of carcass feels and looks good. An FYI, the rest of the tread is more than an 1/8th" in depth, plenty to finish the trip. Tire has about 11k miles on it.
I will now resume my avoidance of anything Avon. This may or may not be a regular occurrence, but there are other brands that I have a lot more confidence in.
I replaced it with a Michelin Commander II. It's black, round, fits, and holds air, important qualities as I'm in the middle of a trip. As a bonus, it was only $130 bought over the counter at Dennis Kirk, 15 miles up the road from where I'm staying. I tried to find a Shinko Journey890, but could find none in stock in the Mpls/St Paul area.
I'm still drinking my morning coffee, so it's not back on the bike yet. Pretty much chewed up a day of my vacation on this fiasco. Thanks Avon.
Daytona Mike, thanks for the 110/70 info. Just to be sure, 18" front rim?