Are these tires toast?
10-17-20, 12:54 PM
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Are these tires toast?
Hi- title says it all. Looked at my front tire in bright direct sunlight today and the surface didn’t look like I expected it to/thought it did. First pic is front, second is rear.
Thanks
Front
Back
Thanks
Front
Back
10-17-20, 01:15 PM
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Front is definitely beyond safe. I'm not sure about the rear, the two dots might be wear indicators that show a bit of life left. That front tread is completely pitted, even if there's some thickness left, I would assume traction has been compromised.
10-17-20, 01:16 PM
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If you're not sure about your tires, then you need new tires.
Can't really tell from your pictures, but what brand/model are they and did the tires have a flat surface in the center 'contact' area to begin with? I've used tires with a flat, smooth surface at the central ground contact point and never knew how worn they were until the inner layers started to show through the worn-out rubber (usually yellow or red). At that point I knew I REALLY needed new tires!
Can't really tell from your pictures, but what brand/model are they and did the tires have a flat surface in the center 'contact' area to begin with? I've used tires with a flat, smooth surface at the central ground contact point and never knew how worn they were until the inner layers started to show through the worn-out rubber (usually yellow or red). At that point I knew I REALLY needed new tires!
10-17-20, 01:58 PM
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Looks like you've been riding road tires on gravel. If that's the case, what you need are the correct tires.
10-17-20, 02:14 PM
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Thanks for the opinions, lions and skidder. Yeah, I was dismayed and kinda knew the answer when I asked the question. 
They’re Schwalbe Duramo Plus, 28s. I’ve enjoyed them. Not really one of those flat centers you mentioned.
Gary, you are correct! They’re on my vintage Cannondale road bike, but we have a gravel surface path near us and I’m on it with my kids a fair amount. Well, guess I’m in the market for some not-very-tall 28mm that will handle mixed surfaces better.
They’re Schwalbe Duramo Plus, 28s. I’ve enjoyed them. Not really one of those flat centers you mentioned.
Gary, you are correct! They’re on my vintage Cannondale road bike, but we have a gravel surface path near us and I’m on it with my kids a fair amount. Well, guess I’m in the market for some not-very-tall 28mm that will handle mixed surfaces better.
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10-17-20, 03:22 PM
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They look like tires. Worn out tires from the gravel but tires none the less.
This is toast:
This is toast:
10-17-20, 03:50 PM
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10-17-20, 03:59 PM
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Did you rotate them at some point? Or perhaps replace the rear already? It would be odd for the front to be worn moreso than the rear.
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10-17-20, 05:38 PM
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10-17-20, 05:41 PM
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Yeah, you're right. I can't remember exactly, but it may have been when I got a new rear wheel from {EDIT} Velomine - pretty sure I put the less worn looking tire on the rear while I was changing things around.
Last edited by Charliekeet; 10-18-20 at 06:40 PM.
10-17-20, 08:07 PM
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10-18-20, 02:17 PM
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I am posting again because some mod took my post down..I guess I hurt someones feelings...
Go ahead and ride those on a 40mph downhill.
What do you think?
Go ahead and ride those on a 40mph downhill.
What do you think?
10-18-20, 06:50 PM
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Well, good news is I’ll be riding no fast descents, on either new or worn tires. 
Don’t think I’ve been over 25 mph in years - one separated shoulder is enough for me!
But ALSO for that reason, I appreciate the advice to play it safe and ditch them, cause I really don’t relish the idea of a blow-out.
For now I put a random other tire I had on the front. Will ride them for the remainder of this season here in the Northeast & invest in some quality tires like the aforementioned Pirelli that can handle grittier surfaces too.
Don’t think I’ve been over 25 mph in years - one separated shoulder is enough for me!But ALSO for that reason, I appreciate the advice to play it safe and ditch them, cause I really don’t relish the idea of a blow-out.
For now I put a random other tire I had on the front. Will ride them for the remainder of this season here in the Northeast & invest in some quality tires like the aforementioned Pirelli that can handle grittier surfaces too.
10-18-20, 07:56 PM
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Toast and jam is always good
I think a Local Bike Shop made of any food item would probably not last long even if drizzled in dark chocolate though I do like good dark chocolate.
I think a Local Bike Shop made of any food item would probably not last long even if drizzled in dark chocolate though I do like good dark chocolate.
10-18-20, 08:02 PM
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10-18-20, 08:21 PM
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I guess if the LBS is in a cold climate the wax won't melt but a shop employee should be able to separate and merchandise the product. I mean I will grant you some of the kids don't know how to do it as nobody has taught them but they should be at least able to kind of put like items together.
10-18-20, 08:29 PM
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I guess if the LBS is in a cold climate the wax won't melt but a shop employee should be able to separate and merchandise the product. I mean I will grant you some of the kids don't know how to do it as nobody has taught them but they should be at least able to kind of put like items together.
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