Another Stupid Tire Question
 

On the old Nishiki I just bought, has 700X23 tires on it. I dismounted the tires to clean the wheels. When I deflated them, I noticed something that I certainly did not notice when they were inflated and am soliciting your advice/opinion.

The tires have what I will describe as a cream colored "whitewalls." In the deflated condition, I notice that the whitewalls look "thready" for lack of a better word. In other words, I can see MANY individual threads in the whitewalls that appear to flex away from the casing of the tire. Is this normal or should I replace the tires? Other than this concern, the tires appear in good condition.

Replace the tires. It's cheap insurance; no sense suffering a broken bone just to save $30-40.

I just got back from the LBS. Bought a couple of Gatorskins and tubes. A bit more than $30-$40 tho. ;)

Oh yes, time for new skins. Dangerous situation there. The side walls could easily blow out.

Thanks guys. This cheap old bike is going to end up costing me a small fortune. :)