Originally Posted by
nashcommguy
Totally true. I've got a 4+ year old Schwalbe Marathon Plus w/23,000 miles+ on it. I've just replaced the 2nd rear tire both have which did better than 10,000 each. The front tire has moderate tread wear and no cracking on the sidewalls. Armour All, brake fluid, rubber restorer have all been used as well as good ol' dishsoap and water. The reflective strip is still visible @ night. I'd save up for the SMPs, but then I'm biased.
Btw, the 25mm SMPs don't last nearly as long as the 28s, so that's a consideration as well.
23,000 miles??!! I've never heard of any tire getting remotely that many miles before, are you sure?
I don't put any chemicals or preservatives on my tires, I do wash them when I wash the bike but that's it, sometimes if the tires get dirty I'll wipe them down with a rag and 409. But Armour All and other similar type of products if they get on the rims will make it difficult to stop, and the Armour All getting on the rubber that contacts the road can make it very slippery on the street till it wears off, but then on a turn and you're leaning into it you could slide out due to the sidewalls being oiled up and not wearing off like the center of the tread. I wouldn't and don't treat my tires with anything.