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A Quick Question About Tire Wear

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Old 05-10-14, 08:16 PM
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A Quick Question About Tire Wear

Today at the end of a long ride I noticed green rubber showing on my tire. Does that mean it is time to change my tire?
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Old 05-10-14, 08:22 PM
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I don't know about "green rubber" unless the sidewalls are colored but if you were seeing yellowish or tan cords through the tread rubber then, yes, the tires are definitely due for replacement.
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Old 05-10-14, 08:31 PM
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That would surely be my guess. Without knowing what brand of tire you have, or whether this is the front or rear tire, if you see something that's out of the norm, it surely needs to be checked out. The rear tire will wear more quickly than the front, and the rear tire usually begins to get a wider and wider flat spot in the center of the tire as it wears. There's not as much weight on the front, so it can last a long time. Many people that don't rotate their tires will replace the rear tire 3 to 5 times before the front tire needs attention. Inspect the entire tire carefully to see if you can find any of the carcass material beginning to show through. If so, you need to begin shopping for a tire.
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Old 05-10-14, 08:33 PM
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This tire has a green layer, but you would need to wear through the tread to reach it: Marathon with a green Plus | Schwalbe North America
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Old 05-10-14, 08:58 PM
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Without worrying about the specifics -- green, yellow, polka dotted -- any time you see a worn tire wear to you see under tread start to appear in some places, then yes, it's time to replace.

BTW- many tires do not have an under tread layer, and you'll see cloth appear when the tread wears through. While you have some time with under tread, cloth really means the end is near.
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Old 05-10-14, 09:27 PM
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I can't say absolutely, but if I were you, I'd change the tire.
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Old 05-10-14, 09:34 PM
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like others, don't know about green rubber, but i can say for sure that yellow snow is to be avoided.
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Old 05-10-14, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
Without worrying about the specifics -- green, yellow, polka dotted --
i want polka dotted wear indicators on my tires. And shoes.
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Old 05-11-14, 05:23 AM
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Thanks everyone,

FYI, the tire is a Bontiger Hardcase with ~2800 miles on it and it is the rear tire.

This is the first time since I was a kid that I have worn a tire "down to the threads". In the past, I replaced the tire when they became craked from sitting out in the sun (I used to live in SoCal).

This brings up another question. I have been happy with my current tires but I am open to reconmendations for a replacement. What tire would you reconmend?

Last edited by mrtuttle04; 05-11-14 at 05:26 AM.
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