Originally Posted by
Wogster
I probably wouldn't trust a back tire that was worn at 40MPH, I sure as heck wouldn't trust a worn front tire at that speed, a front tire blow out at 40MPH would most likely be fatal.
Your take on the front tire issue is similar to my thoughts until a couple of events. First, my brother, who is much faster (and younger) had a front tire blowout at 45 MPH on a downhill. He said he held it straight and stopped with very little problem. Surprised him and me. A short while later I had a front wheel blowout on a flat at 21 MPH. Not similar to a downhill 40+ MPH blowout, but still I had no handling problems. Besides, I very seldom have much wear on the front tire. The back is the one that wears and flats the most.