Bicycle Mechanics - Tire needs replacing?

I've read various opinions on this forum as to when to replace a tire. The obvious signs are cracking, seeing the cord, missing chunks, etc. But I also read that when it gets a flattened profile it's time to replace.

I have a set of Continental Ultra Gatorskings (700x25) that I've been riding for about a year. I don't know the mileage, I'd guess between 1,000 and 2,000, but maybe it's less. The tires still look great, except the rear tire is starting to show this flattening. I tried to take a picture, unfortunately it's not from the exact correct angle. What do you think, is it still okay or time to replace? (The second photo is just to show the rest of the tire looks pretty good).

You should be able to get another 1,000 out of them - unless they fall apart. Usually Conti's are quite long-lived.

absolutely nothing wrong with those. you've got at least another 2,000 miles to go unless you somehow tear the casing.

Don't worry about the flat spot, that's how they wear. When you can see cord in the center of the tread it's time to get a new one. I always put the new one on the front and the old front to the rear.

Don't worry about the flat spot, that's how they wear. When you can see cord in the center of the tread it's time to get a new one. I always put the new one on the front and the old front to the rear.

You will likely get an increasing amount of flats much, much before you see cords.

You will likely get an increasing amount of flats much, much before you see cords.

What would be the cause and how many will he have?

What would be the cause and how many will he have?

Cause would be asinine bikeforum posts and he'll have at least a billion.