rschoeck

I have been visiting the forums for the past few weeks at work and decided it was time I join as an official member! I have a question regarding the life of tires. I am a student and ride about 100+ miles a week between work and classes. I have set of Vittoria tires on my Felt that have around 1400 miles on them. They look ok but I am starting to see a few small cracks on the sidewalls. Let me know what ya'll think about tire life and any recommendations on reasonably priced replacements. I appreciate the info!
Ryan

pelotonracer

Small sidewall cracks are okay, as long as they aren't RIPS. As for replacements, can't get much cheaper than this :www.probikekit.com

Hambone

tire opinions are like brown eyes... We all got one and...

All right, that doesn't work so well. The truth is there are a ton of variables. Are you riding for speed or just to get there? Are you a broke college kid or one just looking to save a few bucks? How much do you weigh? etc.

I'm a big fat 40+ year old bastard who puts in about 150-200mi/wk. Mostly in NYC and the surrounding suburbs. What I tell you about tires is going true for me but mean little to most others (and probably to you.)

I replaced a pair of Continental Ultra 3000s (700x28) after 2,000 miles with a pair of Specialised Touring tires (700x25) didn't like the Specialized at all. Went to a pair of Panaracer Pasealas (also 700x28) -- the commuters on the BF commuter board loved them -- I didn't! Only then did I realise how much I really liked the Contis. So, I just got a pair of Conti 4000s (they replaced the 3000s) I haven't put them on yet.

rschoeck

I weigh around 160 lbs. and like to ride at a quick pace. I don't really want to go with a heavy touring tire. However, I am not too picky unless I am paying as much for bike tires as car tires. I don't really know the standard rule for wear indications on tires.

lrzipris

Some people ride tires until they wear enough to show the cords; others change when the tire profile becomes square; and others when they start getting flats (on the assumption that the tread has worn so thin that there is less rubber for objects to work through). Take your pick. Of course, if you get deeper cuts on the tread or sidewall, that's a different story.

As for reasonably priced replacements, that question causes endless debates and seems utterly subjective.

pelotonracer

No it doesn't. Probikekit!

lrzipris

I was referring to brands and specific tires, not sources. You know the typical thread: one poster loves Tire X, another only got 12 miles on it before it split.

Hambone

too true. And everyone knows Continentals are the best anyway.

nocondorfx

how about the little strings dangling from my sidewalls? are they okay?

Hambone

they'll come off of their own accord. They are like pimples. Leave them be and you'll be better off. Pick at them and you're just looking for trouble.