Road Cycling - Tire Wear

Okay guys - another tire question!

On my mountain bike, it is VERY simple to determine wear. When the knobbies are low, it's time for a new tire! However, how does one determine when a slick road tire is nearing the end of its useful life???

ThanX!!!!!

It depends on the types of roads you ride on (rough asphalt with cracks and potholes, new smooth roads, etc.) and if the roads are clean or littered with glass and debris that will cut up your tires.
Also look at the profile of the tire. If it is flat (not nice and rounded) it may be time to replace them.

Considering all of the above, most good road tires will last for 1000-2000 miles. You will get the higher number only on smooth, debris-free roads.

Originally posted by RonH
It depends on the types of roads you ride on (rough asphalt with cracks and potholes, new smooth roads, etc.) and if the roads are clean or littered with glass and debris that will cut up your tires.
Also look at the profile of the tire. If it is flat (not nice and rounded) it may be time to replace them.

Considering all of the above, most good road tires will last for 1000-2000 miles. You will get the higher number only on smooth, debris-free roads.

RON; Can you email this to my wife? I want a new pair of Conti GP3000 and she says that "if it hold air, ride it and shutup!".

I ride on reasonably clean roads, albeit I hit a pothole now and then. I ride 'til I see patches of the casing (i.e. threads) on the rolling surface of the tire. Usually they start appearing here and there. By that time, the tire definitely has a pretty square-ish profile. Anyhow, as soon as I start seeing threads, the tire gets replaced. Exceptions include when something has damaged a sidewall or glass or has cut the rolling surface/casing, in which case, if the damage is bad enough, the tire goes.

It sseems the tread wears quite quickly.. I have thought the thickness of the remaining rubber is a good guide. Tread can be pretty well gone with 1,000 miles. I always hope to get at least 3,000 miles out of a tire. Too optimistic..