Should I replace this tire?
 

Michelin Pro3Race on the front with about 2200mi on it. I already replaced the one on the rear with a Pro4SC about 1000mi ago. It's got a lot of cracks but no threads showing yet. I'm doing a big mountain ride tomorrow and was wondering whether this is still safe to ride on-I'd like to squeeze more mileage out of it if possible.

http://i.imgur.com/diuQznw.jpg

Looks ok to me.

How old is that tire? Has the rubber hardened?

If it were me, I would want new rubber on, especially in front. A flat for whatever reason on a mountain descent isn't my idea of a good day. If it is preventable, I do what it takes. An old fashioned beaded tire or solidly glued sew-up have better chances of staying on the rim until you stop than a folding tire.

You may hear otherwise from others, but I would change that tire just for peace of mind.

Ben

Looks like dry rot. Probably better off changing it. If you want to keep it for emergency, deflate and use a small drop of crazy glue on all the big cuts and it will look like they were never there when it dries.

I would not trust it.

You could put a new tire on the front if it makes you feel better, and keep this as a spare for the rear.

Getting a lot of mixed opinions on this one...my mechanic told me that these cuts/cracks are normal for pro race tires since they have a soft outer compound. I'm leaning towards just changing it for the added confidence & peace of mind while descending...maybe retire this one to roller tire duty.

If you have doubts, whats another $50 - $60 ??
Replace it, your life is worth more than that !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's squared off badly and should be replaced. You'll be amazed at how lively the replacement feels just because it will fall smoothly into corners.

Your mechanic is correct. It's not "wrong" to replace the tire. Just like it's not "wrong" to change your car's oil every 1500 miles if you are so inclined.

I have a hard time believing that cracks are normal with technology today. Cuts I can understand due to the softer nature of a race tire. If my motorcycles track tires did that I'd switch brands. As for keeping it, maybe if it was still soft and on the back but on the front, no way. That tire looks 20 years old.

Sounds like a smart choice.

It's fine. Pro3s do that. Pro4s do it less. If the rear is worn to the cords, put that front on the rear and a new tire on the front.

Here is how I determine if a tire is safe.............

I think to myself.. "Would I trust this tire on a 40 MPH downhill curvy road?"

And would you trust the OPs tire? I would.

I'd change it out just for peace-of-mind on the descents.

"squaring off" is just normal tire wear and does not mean anything more. No need to replace until the cords show or real damage.

I hope you all know that it's not the rubber that gives a tire its structural integrity. It's the carcass/casing. So unless that is exposed, you should be ok.

OP, if you want to keep this from happening and also always have a good tire on the front, you should always put the new tire up front and move the front to the back at that time. That way you don't have rear tires wearing out fast, while the fronts get old and cracked before the tread wears out. The overall average for the two tires re: tread wear stays the same, but you don't let front tires get old while waiting for them to wear out. Also by always putting the new tires on the front, you always have your best where you need it for steering control.

I don't like the looks of that tire we are talking about, not for any specific reason, it just doesn't look sound. Ditch it. [MENTION=107711]datlas[/MENTION] is right about the carcass providing the tire strength, but I still wouldn't want to depend on that tire re: punctures.

I guess you feel the same way about gas for the car. Drive it till it sputters then walk to the nearest gas station. :-)

Keep using it. You wasteful disposable society people throw things away when perfectly good.

Nope, I fill up when I get to about 1/4 tank, not that gas tanks are related to tires in any way.

The changing oil analogy was better. If you want to change the oil every 1500 miles, go ahead, but it's wasteful and expensive.

Sad but true

What's your point?

it is safe to keep using. so do so.