Bicycle Mechanics - older bike - time for new tires?

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pfly66
11-02-06, 04:41 PM
I've got a late 80's/early 90's Allez w/Continentals. Not sure how to tell if I'm ready for new tires...

What is the best way to tell when you need to replace road tires? I don't want to find out the hard way, and have no idea how old they are.

Ed Holland
11-02-06, 05:07 PM
OK, basic things to look for are:

1 cuts
2 wear that exposes the fabric casing
3 cracks, indicating that the rubber has dried out
4 damage to the sidewall or casing including loose threads
5 Separation of the casing and wire bead (the part that fits tightly to the wheel rim)

Good luck,

Ed
pfly66
11-02-06, 05:28 PM
thanks. I definately have some beginning cracks and the sidewalls are yellowed - they just look crusty but seem to be ok. I'll get them replaced...

cuda2k
11-02-06, 05:40 PM
If the bike has been sitting for 18+ months unused then I'd probably replace the tires. Check out the Vittoria Rubino Pros at Probikekit.com, $35 for a pair of high quality tires. I'm about to order a pair myself.
zetatios
11-03-06, 11:28 AM
When to replace tires is a matter of opinion. The guy at my local shop (who I trust) tells that it doesnt really matter if the rubber is dried out, or if the sidewall looks a bit funky. The only things that really matter are that there still is some rubber left, and that there are no cuts/cracks in the casing.

(I might be a bit more careful with a front tire, however. And sometimes worn tires do get more flats than new ones.)