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Should I ride my worn tire some more or replace it?

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Should I ride my worn tire some more or replace it?

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Old 02-05-12, 07:27 PM
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Should I ride my worn tire some more or replace it?

I finally wore my rear 700x23c Specialized tire down far enough that there is a 2"x1cm patch of red tire layer showing through. These have been on the bike when I got it in early 2011, and they may have been originally purchased in the 90's for all I know.

Time to replace with some spare 700x25c Cheng Shin's I have laying around, or do you think I can last out the week?

I was thinking of maybe riding with the spare over my shoulder, commando style like this guy, until the current one rubs through to the tube...

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Old 02-05-12, 07:29 PM
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Three folds.

https://www.rideyourbike.com/tirefold.html
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Old 02-05-12, 07:43 PM
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How's your health insurance?

Tires are expendable and usually much cheaper than even a single visit to the ER should something go amiss.
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Old 02-05-12, 07:58 PM
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No problem. Jusr ride on the unworn portion and all will be fine. You have lots of miles left in those skins.
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Old 02-05-12, 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by labrat
Tires are expendable and usually much cheaper than even a single visit to the ER should something go amiss.
OP says the tire is on the rear. I wouldn't worry, as long as it's not bulging. Still, I wouldn't recommend bombing any hills at 50mph...

Just be sure to carry a spare tube and pump if it flats. Then patch the old tube, throw away the old tire, and enjoy your new tires.
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Old 02-05-12, 08:51 PM
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Replace it. Keep it in the garage for the time when you slice a tire at 5:05pm on Sunday and want to ride Monday before the LBS opens.
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Old 02-05-12, 09:02 PM
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I ride until I see the plies and then I either keep riding or I carry a spare tire for awhile.
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Old 02-05-12, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by NukeouT
I was thinking of maybe riding with the spare over my shoulder, commando style like this guy, until the current one rubs through to the tube...
"This guy" in your photo is Fausto Coppi. He's in a race, carrying a spare tubular over his shoulder. You, on the other hand, are just a cheapskate being ridiculous.
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Old 02-05-12, 09:32 PM
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Congrats on riding enough miles to wear out a tire.
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Old 02-05-12, 09:42 PM
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Consider that you've crossed into the warning stripes. You don't have to stop riding and replace now, but you should buy the replacement and mount it at your first convenience. Odds are you have a few hundred miles left, but you'll be much happier replacing the tire on your own schedule rather than dealing with grief on the road.
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Old 02-05-12, 10:13 PM
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How much value is peace of mind worth?
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Old 02-05-12, 10:20 PM
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I frequently dig out little pieces of glass from the tread that would have gone right through to the tube if the tread was thinner. You're raising your risk of getting a flat.
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Old 02-05-12, 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by well biked
You, on the other hand, are just a cheapskate being ridiculous.
Yeah, I know.

It's not the first tire I have worn down since 2009, but this one is just different from prior ones in that it has a red rubber zone instead of visible white cross-threading.

I suppose replacing it at the earliest convenience on my own time, rather than having to stop and do it frantically during the commute to work is a good point. I will take it with me tomorrow, replace it in between my working hours and bike back on the new one.
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Old 02-05-12, 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by NukeouT
I suppose replacing it at the earliest convenience on my own time, rather than having to stop and do it frantically during the commute to work is a good point.

Frantic?
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Old 02-07-12, 12:53 AM
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Until ya see cords, you're fine. Odds are that rubber is stiffer, so less traction. I'm guessing the sides are fine, so you won't be on the red bit in turns. Braking with the rear is useless, so no harm there either.

Ride on my fellow frugal friend!
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Old 02-07-12, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by MilitantPotato
Until ya see cords, you're fine.
NOT! I managed to find a sharp rock once well before any cords were showing. The frayed hole - about two inches long was quite the sight. I kept it for many years as a souvenir/conversation piece.

Just really glad it was the back tire and I was on the route of a co-worker.
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Old 02-07-12, 12:01 PM
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Sooner or later that tire is going to die. Where do you want to be when it happens?

If it was my bike, I'd rather replace the tire in my warm, dry workshop.
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Old 02-07-12, 12:07 PM
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Methinks this thread is worn out more than the OPs tire.
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Old 02-08-12, 12:56 AM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
Methinks this thread is worn out more than the OPs tire.
Not until we see pics!!
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Old 02-08-12, 04:00 AM
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Originally Posted by MilitantPotato
Until ya see cords, you're fine. Odds are that rubber is stiffer, so less traction. I'm guessing the sides are fine, so you won't be on the red bit in turns. Braking with the rear is useless, so no harm there either.

Ride on my fellow frugal friend!
Yeah - visible threads in the carcass are a sign that the tire is done. Flat protection is gradually reduced as the outer rubber wears anyway so up to you to decide what risk level you want to live with.


If you actually wore this out evenly - congradulations! In many cases road tires are worn out prematurely simply by skidding on the rear tire - wich will also expose the threads in short order.
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Old 02-08-12, 04:23 AM
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remember... new to front, front to back, back to bin.
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