[grbrown]

Difficult one this! I do not believe the belt is at any risk, as long as there is no intrusion into its space at the area of damage. As they get older, the rear pulley in particular, as well as the belt, take on a pretty knackered look, but their overall service life can be considerably more than they have given you to date.

As Pete says, it is normal to replace the lot at the same time. I have actually done this on my bike at a similar mileage, but only because I was making other radical changes.

I cannot help thinking that the tyre fitter has damaged the poor thing and he should make good. The damage would probably have happened if Ed had taken the wheel in, as the most likely reason is clumsy handling of the wheel while out of the bike.

Replacement of the pulley is the preferred option, but he has offered to repair it. I think that could prove difficult, as these things are not simple and there is the likelyhood, when welding it, of harming the teeth.

I'm inclined to suggest you find out how much a new pulley costs and see how much the fitter will contribute. They are easy to replace.