bikerjp

I'm pretty sure this is a bad idea as they would likely end up slick as snot on a stainless steel staircase. However, is there a way to keep tires from drying out? No doubt some tires are better than others, but most get dull pretty quick and eventually start to dry and crack. Plus, shiny tires make for better photos.

Any tricks that won't land you in the hospital (or worse)?

keisatsu

Ride more, you'll wear out your tires faster and they won't have time to crack.

I have no real suggestion as my tires are worn out well before they begin to crack.

DRietz

Liquid latex, if you really want to get into it.

Creatre

I used to armor all my tires when I was 8 and thought it was cool because it was like detailing a car. Don't think I'll be doing it on my road bike tires anytime soon though. Little bit of that on the braking surface could be interesting!

LesterOfPuppets

Keep 'em in a cool dark place away from any sources of ozone (clothes dryer, fans, other electric motors).

Like that other guy said, ride more and they won't get the chance to dry out.

SwingBlade

In the past, Armorall used very cheap silicon which damages rubber products like tires. Cheap silicon prevents the rubber from breathing and leads to bubbling. With exposure to sunlight Armorall would dry tires out, crack them, and discolor them. Much better products exist to both make the rubber tires look nice and extend their life. With heavy exposure to sunlight, rubber that has been Armoralled will eventually crack and turn brownish.

Some military units used to put Armorall on aircraft de-icer boots to impress the brass but quickly stopped when the boots began cracking at a very premature rate.

They say that Armorall now has some non-silicon products and that they use a higher grade of silicon in the namesake product. To be on the safe side, a lot of folks just won't use it.

baribari

It is often best to follow your instincts.

rooftest

If you're riding your road bike up or down stainless steel staircases; you're probably good enough to handle the sliding, too.

back4more

I just use a damp rag to wipe my tires down after a ride like I do to my frame and it keeps my tires good. However i know that there are many water based tire dressings that dry on the tire and leave no slimey mess that should be fine, but it would also be important not to over use the product and get it on the breaking surface. I use water based products on my car so I that it dries and doesn't sling off on the side of my car.

As an additional note - car tires are impregnated with a type of wax or moisturizer that is made to work it's way out through the tire as it is driven (centrifical force) so if you have a extra car that just sits the tires can crack from not driving it enough. If they do this on bike tires the same would apply - ride it and it is better on the tires. I've yet to have tires on my bike(s) or car(s) that crack from non-use.

techlogik

You need to send your tires to that guy in Belgium who has the cellar of bike tires for Armstrong and other riders. They will mature fine over the years, get nice and ripe for the picking and mounting, then enjoy.



https://www.bikeworldnews.com/2010/01...chinson-tires/

eippo1

You might as well make 'em really slick and throw a coat of mink oil on them.

I find keeping the sidewalls clean helps a bit with longevity. Just give them a swipe while you're cleaning the rims after a ride.

patentcad

I use Armor all on the tires with no problems.

Chris R.

How old are these tires? I've never had a pair of tires dry out. Keep them in the garage away from a heater and you'll be fine.
If you DO use armour all, please post the video of the first ride!

bikerjp

Thanks for the feedback. My tires are new so no issues. Just wondering if there are ways to keep them that way. I've seen plenty of pics of dried, cracked, blown sidewalls to wonder. I'm not planning to use Armor All, it's just the only product I'm familiar with to use an example. My bike is on the trainer most of the winter which is in the basement and 10 feet or so from the furnace. Thanks for the tip on the ozone. I'll see what I can do to minimize exposure.

JTGraphics

Fact is Armor All is know for causing rubber to dry out and crack, it may look nice when applied but in the long run ends up pulling the moisture from the rubber to the surface thus making it dry out over time.
That said my I have not really worried about my bike tires in that way that I want the shiny.

Now the one thing I have used on rubber is brake fluid place carefully on a small piece of rag and wipe it on rubber only were I want it, it make the rubber look like new and also protects it from drying, brake fluid us designed for use with rubber so it does not harm it at all. Test it out one something and even your car tire and you will see how it works on rubber as a cleaner and rubber rejuvenator I have used it for years on my cars on all rubber parts like window and bumper trim as well as tires just don't get it all over the paint if you do clean it off and wax the spot.

dbf73

if you want to put something on, use Vinylex (from makers of Lexol leather stuff) or 303 protectant (you can find it at boat stores like West Marine) but do not get on the tread which contacts the road and provides traction. I do nuttin' to mine

tmass

I use "Oil of Olay" wrinkle reduction serum, but if you don't wish to spend that much the age defying lotion works well. Just put it on at night and wipe off any excess in the morning.

banerjek

Whether or not Armor All hurts tires, you're not riding nearly enough if there's any need to preserve your tires to begin with.

Rocket-Sauce 

BikeMech

I always just rode mine until they wore out.. You shouldn't need to put anything on the tires except pavement.

bostongarden

bedazzler?

patentcad

You are hardy in any position to say that to me you insufferable fred.

banerjek

You couldn't possibly be putting that crap on your tires to preserve them -- there's no way they'll go bad in the couple months tops it would take you to wear them out.

Why do you bother with Armor All on anyway? Tires clean up with soapy water nicely and that other stuff ain't going to help your grip.

patentcad

FYI fredly, I have five bicycles that I split my riding between, so I might replace my tires on a bike once annually.

iam7head

you know you can stripe paint off your car if you drip brake fluid on the surface, right?

or better yeah, deep fry your donut and drive next to your neighbor's new 911