Would you ride these cracked sidewalls?
01-29-17, 08:22 AM
#1
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Would you ride these cracked sidewalls?
I'm a Clyde at @230. These Zaffirro tires (27x1 1/8 or 630-28) are about 4 years old, but as you can see ridden little. I know this type of cracking is usually an indication of under inflation, but I always had the front at 90psi and the rear at least 95 psi.
I've had 3 sets of these and like the ride, and love that I've never had a flat on any of them. That said, they all crack like this after a while. I know there are a variety of opinions out there on riding cracked tires, so thought I'd ask for input.
I've had 3 sets of these and like the ride, and love that I've never had a flat on any of them. That said, they all crack like this after a while. I know there are a variety of opinions out there on riding cracked tires, so thought I'd ask for input.
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Last edited by stevel610; 01-29-17 at 08:36 AM.
01-29-17, 08:34 AM
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No.
People are free to ride on whatever they want but they are garbage.
People are free to ride on whatever they want but they are garbage.
01-29-17, 08:50 AM
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Walkin' home...
I would ride that...I just wouldn't ride it further than I was willin' to walk home.
01-29-17, 09:08 AM
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Yes, Looks like the underlying cords are OK, and that's what really matters. I would ride them.
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01-29-17, 09:23 AM
#7
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The problem with the cracks is, the carcass will flex more there, and eventually the cord will fail suddenly, resulting in a blowout. (been there, done that.) I'd pitch them.
01-29-17, 09:36 AM
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Replace with SCHWALBE tires. ZERO chance of cracks. My latest SM Plus tires have over 7,000 miles and nowhere near finished, including 4,180 on tour at 120 lbs weight. FAR better than any other brand. I even saw fit to rotate front to back at 5,500 this time.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 01-29-17 at 09:39 AM.
01-29-17, 10:17 AM
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Cracks like that are not from under-inflation. They're from age/poor quality rubber. Lower end Vittoria tires are notorious for this. I ran several sets of Zaffiro/Zaffiro Pro at between 10-15% sag and all showed the same issues within about 6 months. This failure can also happen on a faster timeline if the rubber is stored near electrical motors or certain chemicals.
This logic comes from car tires that will show damage like that due to under-inflation but this is due to the additional heat created at the speeds and cornering forces automobiles operate at. Bicycle tires do not operate to those levels and do not crack in the same way.
Damage from under-inflation in bicycle tires is almost always pre-empted by obvious cord showing on the interior or exterior sidewalls. You can see an example here: fourth picture from the top of the post: https://janheine.wordpress.com/2016/...tire-pressure/
ETA: Another clue that this is not related to inflation pressure is the center mold line is still present on the tire. Any tire, even at the front, ridden an appreciable distance for sidewall damage to occur from flex would not still have this manufacturing mark visible.
This logic comes from car tires that will show damage like that due to under-inflation but this is due to the additional heat created at the speeds and cornering forces automobiles operate at. Bicycle tires do not operate to those levels and do not crack in the same way.
Damage from under-inflation in bicycle tires is almost always pre-empted by obvious cord showing on the interior or exterior sidewalls. You can see an example here: fourth picture from the top of the post: https://janheine.wordpress.com/2016/...tire-pressure/
ETA: Another clue that this is not related to inflation pressure is the center mold line is still present on the tire. Any tire, even at the front, ridden an appreciable distance for sidewall damage to occur from flex would not still have this manufacturing mark visible.
Last edited by Spoonrobot; 01-29-17 at 10:42 AM.
01-29-17, 10:46 AM
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Ordinarily I'd say ride them till they bust but considering your generous proportions that probably won't be long,, but if you're adventurous and have a new set of tires along with someone who will rescue you no matter where they go flat ride them see how long they last,,
01-29-17, 10:49 AM
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The cracking isn't caused by low air pressure. That is caused by age and Ozone. Ozone attacks rubber over time. Happens to Car and Motorcycle tires all the time too. You normally don't see it on cars and motorcycles because you change the tires more often.
01-29-17, 11:34 AM
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I'd be just as worried about those rusty spokes failing. Obviously a low-end wheelset.
01-29-17, 12:11 PM
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Nope. And I would change brands too. Even if those were inexpensive they were a total waste of money.
01-29-17, 12:17 PM
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This brings up the subject of age. OP says the tires are 4 years old.
I have to replace a spare tire that sits on the back of a Honda CRV because UV has baked the sidewall to the point where inflating it reveals cracks.
Ozone and UV damage to rubber over time is real.
I have to replace a spare tire that sits on the back of a Honda CRV because UV has baked the sidewall to the point where inflating it reveals cracks.
Ozone and UV damage to rubber over time is real.
01-29-17, 12:21 PM
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I rode some like that while waiting on new tires. They were 23 years old and Never went Flat.
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01-29-17, 12:53 PM
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Why would you? New tires are fairly cheap.
01-29-17, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexCyclistRoch
I'd be just as worried about those rusty spokes failing.
I would get new tires and have the wheel rebuilt (assuming the rim is in o.k. shape, which might be a faulty assumption).
01-29-17, 02:41 PM
#21
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Oxygen and UV, the most destructive forces on earth.
I wouldn't inflate them to 90-95 psi for a 28-mm tire. I recommend 80 psi. You'll actually experience a smoother ride.
I wouldn't inflate them to 90-95 psi for a 28-mm tire. I recommend 80 psi. You'll actually experience a smoother ride.
01-29-17, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
I see someone else saw the forest despite the trees.
I would get new tires and have the wheel rebuilt (assuming the rim is in o.k. shape, which might be a faulty assumption).
I would get new tires and have the wheel rebuilt (assuming the rim is in o.k. shape, which might be a faulty assumption).
01-29-17, 05:03 PM
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Nope, and I'm nearly as cheap as they come. I'd take a new $10 Kenda or CST tire over that any day.
01-29-17, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by stevel610
I'm a Clyde at @230. These Zaffirro tires (27x1 1/8 or 630-28) are about 4 years old, but as you can see ridden little. I know this type of cracking is usually an indication of under inflation, but I always had the front at 90psi and the rear at least 95 psi.
I've had 3 sets of these and like the ride, and love that I've never had a flat on any of them. That said, they all crack like this after a while. I know there are a variety of opinions out there on riding cracked tires, so thought I'd ask for input.
I've had 3 sets of these and like the ride, and love that I've never had a flat on any of them. That said, they all crack like this after a while. I know there are a variety of opinions out there on riding cracked tires, so thought I'd ask for input.
I see a bulge beginning to develop in that first picture as well (that ridge should not be bent and wiggly). Whatever problems you have with cracking or sun damage or whatever do not matter at this point, the tire is not properly installed and is on the way to failure.
Change it now. You can live with sidewall cracking for a little while.
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