Do you have an opinion on tyre life?
I read that the rubber deteriorates and loses its grip but if the knobs “feel” OK I wonder if they are. Some say 3 years and most of my tyres are past that (kept in a dark-ish garage) as I had 18 months off with a spine injury.
Has anyone tried replacing an OK looking tyre that passes the fingernail test with another of same kind? Any difference other than the inevitable "new tyres have sharp knob edges" effect?
I have tyres older than that, all depends on storage and a dark garage out of sunlight will be fine. Some tyres don't last well - speaking of Michelin Pro4 road tyres - cracked to bits with little use and 5 years not being used, but I've got Schwalbe Snow Studs that get used regular in winter months that are 12 years old and perfect.
It's dependant upon the tyre I'd say. If it's looking knackered, replace. Spine injury here which lead to road bikes not being used for about 5 years (and perished tyres) !
I'm just riding the trails of Berks and Oxon on my bikes and so the tyres have to be pretty worn before I'll consign them to the bin. A late 40s bimbler like myself is not asking much of the shoulder traction in the main part.
I think it's more of a problem on bikes stored outside in summer, ie on bike racks outside hire shops in the Alps. Inside in the shade, then as long as it's not years and years then I've never had an issue. They've always worn out before they've degraded.
thanks everyone, much appreciated - I'll try em and save a few quid!
I think it depends entirely on the terrain you want to use them. There's some old tyres I have that I wouldn't think twice about putting on a bike that I'm going to be bimbling along bits of the TPT, but I wouldn't want them anywhere near the bike I use in Calderdale.
It also varies depending on the actual rubber. Like, maxxis slow reazy really obviously goes off, you could feel the rubber is dry and almost crumbly to the touch when it got old.
But I've got a bunch of tyres that are at least 5 years old, especially my dh set that I put on for maybe 10 rides a year, and I don't think they've deteriorated at all. Storage conditions probably help.
all good info, thanks
The Michelin wild enduros alway seem to crack round the knobs, more so on the front. I've had three sets do this. I'm not going as much currently
