edo_999

Hi there, I’m going to do a 100mile ride in three weeks time and I’d like your advice on the tyres I have on atm. I had these tyres on for about 1yr 1/2 and although the wear hasn’t reached the point when I normally would replace them, they developed a few cracks over the winter. I didn’t have a puncture for a while and they still feel good but I’m a bit anxious to take them for a 100mil ride. What your view on that?

thanks!

Andrew R Stewart 

I would sure replace these tires ASAP. How much is avoiding a flat worth to you? How much to avoid a fall down when it's the front tire that gives out first? Besides new and pliable tires go so far to make the bike's rolling so much nicer. Andy

Iride01 

I've ridden worse. But for a 100 mile ride that is going to be somewhat important to you, I'd recommend you change them. And if that 100 mile ride is with other's, then it's even a little bit more important that you minimize your risk of slowing everyone else down so you don't get a bad reputation.

If you were just going to be riding around locally for shorter rides where a flat or worse wouldn't be big impact on you or anyone else, then I might say ride it till it flats.

Curious though that a 1½ y.o. tire looks like that. Do you keep your bike near something that produces ozone, or ride where there might be harsh chemicals on the road? Or maybe you use something on the tires when you clean them that really isn't that great for tires.

edo_999

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I found it a bit odd myself. I don’t use any chemical so probably is due to environmental conditions. This is the second time that happened though and I noticed that I both occasions the cracks developed during the winter in cold days. Also, perhaps is worth mentioning that I store my bike outside.

edo_999

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I found it a bit odd myself. I don’t use any chemical so probably is due to environmental conditions. This is the second time that happened though and I noticed that I both occasions the cracks developed during the winter in cold days. Also, perhaps is worth mentioning that I store my bike outside.

tFUnK

Have also ridden worse and my gut tells me you'll probably be fine to continue riding it but I echo what others have said: if this is an important event to you then is the price of new tires worth the peace of mind that they afford? If you do decide to run these and end up getting a flat, whether related to the damage or not, as a stranger on the internet I offer no warranties with my advice

veganbikes

The biggest question is why don't you like your bike? Bikes only belong outside while riding them. You need new tires and possibly other parts or more maintenance. There is really no real situation where a bike needs to be stored outside. My business partner had at least 3 bikes in a small studio apartment at one point including 2 full suspension bikes one of which being a downhill bike. I can understand if you have a party and need to store outside for a little bit but storing outside intentionally is unfortunately abuse.

Keep your bike in good condition it will save you money and keep your bike in better condition. That way you don't have to replace tires and other parts so often and have to do a little less maintenance since it isn't stuck out in the elements. Imagine storing your laptop outside or leaving other frequently used items outside.

Yes certainly get new tires and please take care of your bike or give it to someone who can care for it. I know it sounds harsh but bikes are not toys or lawn furniture and they deserve better than living outside.

Troul 

if the 100 miler is NTE 7MPH & you bring spares, it might be fine.

asgelle

I would ride them for the next two weeks then put new tires on for the week before and the event itself. After the century, I'd put them back on and save the new tires for when these wear out.

edo_999

mate, I love my bike very much! Believe me I would rather keep it in bed with me if I could.

FBinNY 

I've ridden much worse, but have no rear of managing flats.

So, discounting the fear mongering, it's about you're comfort zone. Also, if this is your first or a timed century where 20 minutes to fix a flat may be a special problem, then go ahead an replace it, even if it's just for peace of mind.

pdlamb

I normally wear my tires down before they start looking like this.

That said, looks like those little cracks will grab every bit of grit, broken glass, and wire on the road, and hold them until they work their way through to puncture the tire.

OTOH, the tread looks like it might be a Gatorskin? You may rub the oxidized rubber off the outside in the first ten miles, and then the casing will hold for the next ninety miles.

Maybe you could try a few 25 mile rides in the next couple weeks, and see how the tire looks afterwards. If it's down to good rubber, of sufficient thickness, ride them on your century. If you average a flat every 10 miles, well, I'd have replaced the tire after the first ride.

alcjphil

Look carefully at the picture of your tire. The rubber is cracked in many places. Many of the cracks have tiny stones embedded inside. If a pointy stone becomes embedded in a crack in the rubber it will only work its way deeper until it pierces the tire casing and the inner tube. Maybe not a big deal on a local ride, but it could make the difference during a century ride. New tires don't have cracks in the rubber and new rubber isn't dried out like the tire you have now. During my commuting days, when my tires started to look like yours, flats would become more frequent. I was riding about 1200 km per month at that time. I would wear out about 2-3 sets of tire each year

edo_999

Thanks all for your precious advice! I made up my mind and got myself a new set of Gatorskin and, as suggested by asgelle, I might put the old ones back on just after the ride.

bboy314

I’d just go ahead and keep the new tires on. Old ones are ready for the dumpster.

veganbikes

Please do that (minus the bed part though I have a friend who has a bike he built with Campy 50th Anniversary that he has very near his bed but he also has bikes and parts everywhere around his house. I at least have a few spaces free of bike parts) Take care of it like your child and it will take care of you.

Also glad to hear you got new Gatorskins (have fun putting them on) I would keep them on and toss the old tires, they have had a hard life and just want to retire near a nice whisky distillery in Scotland helping them on the weekends doing tastings. Keep the bike indoors from now on and those new tires can last quite a while.

grumpus

I wouldn't ride those any further than I minded walking home. These https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313181080692 are really good value if you're on 25-622.