older bike - time for new tires?
11-02-06, 05:41 PM
#1
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older bike - time for new tires?
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.
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.
11-02-06, 06:07 PM
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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
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
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Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
11-02-06, 06:28 PM
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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...
11-02-06, 06:40 PM
#4
Unique Vintage Steel
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.
11-03-06, 12:28 PM
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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.)
(I might be a bit more careful with a front tire, however. And sometimes worn tires do get more flats than new ones.)
