Since the front tire sees a lot less wear than the rear, what's the best way, in your opinion, to replace worn tires?

1.) Put new tires on both front and back when the back one wears out;
2.) Move the front tire to the rear and put a new one on the front;
3.) Replace them individually as they wear out.

Personally, I like #2 because I hate to toss a tire that's not worn out and putting a fresh tire on the front seems like a prudent safety precaution. And, I'm guessing it's the most cost-effective approach.

But this being BF, I know others will have very strong, contrary opinions on the matter. So, let's hear them.

Years ago, Sheldon Brown recommended your #2. If your front tire wears so slowly that it lasts for years, then moving it to the back is a good way to wear it out before it starts to die from dry rot.

If you ride enough miles that your front tire last less than a year on its own, then I would go for #3.

#1 just sounds dumb.

Some people use different tires on the front and rear (e.g. a more puncture resistant tire on the rear), so their choices are more limited.

^^^

#1 is dumb
#2 is optimal
#3 is what I do

#2 for me, unless a catastrophic failure occurs and messes up the system.

#2 works for me

To clarify my above post, I'm too lazy to do #2 and I go through tires fast enough it doesn't really matter. Probably do 3 rears to a front.

#1 is for if you have a hang-up about unmatched tires and you go through tires so slowly that your tire model is no longer in production when you wear out the rear.

Personally, I think this probably describes the majority of BF riders...

2 for me. I hate taking the rear wheel off. It is so difficult to put back. Is it just me or is there a trick to doing it easily?

If I have a front tire that is age checked I'll put it on the back. Otherwise I just replace as needed.

Assuming you're not just jacking us around, coasting, it's a lot easier if you remove the chain. Of course, then you need a slip-link.

who is jacking whom around?

Put the chain on the smallest cog first, and sometimes pull the rear derailleur back a bit. And open the rear brake quick release.

I have trouble believing that coasting actually has trouble taking the back wheel off, unless he spends a lot more time posting on BF than working on and riding his bicycle. I think he might be kidding, but I'm not sure.

Courtesy of waterrockets I believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxHXreuOLFM

no. i really am that useless. i get my hands covered with chain muck and i'm pulling on the derailleur pulleys etc. It's a sad sad sight.

that just looks like WR showing off. It looks easy enough when he does it.

I do number 3 because I run a slightly larger tire in the back.

#3, i dont see any real benefit from putting the front tire on the rear.

I've seen that video before. I can't do it without pulling the DR back and getting my hands all dirty.

This is kind of funny for me. Today I faced this issue at the bike shop. I took the bike in for a tune up and asked them about new tires. They suggested I replace the back one. I told them to go ahead and replace both of them. I didn't want to face having to replace the other one in the future. I'm too lazy.

Option #2 for me, unless I want to try a new brand of tire...tire lust is hard to control.