Do new tires have less traction???
 

Yesterday I was meeting a buddy at a bike shop, he needed a new rear tire. After it was done the mechanic asked him if he new that he had to take it easy for a few heat cycles before the tire would have traction. This is for a street tire on a street bike ridden on the street.

I've heard of this with brakes, but are tires the same?

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

There is a scrub in time for new tires to get rid of any mold release compounds that are present on the tire. (if they still use them)\
That and to scrub away the shiny smooth surface.
100km should be plenty

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

Yep +1 on all the above, easy on the hard braking, acceleration and sharp lean angles for a bit.

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

YES!!!
the tires are covered with this kind of film (dont know what it is) but it is very slick at first. give it 100 miles before pushing it.

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

[sm=exactly.gif] 100 miles

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

I'm a little late on this thread but....

Another way to help get rid of the initial film is a quick rear wheel burnout. Before folks start flaming about safety, etc., etc...this is my disclaimer. DO NOT do this if you're not able/capable. Have someone you trust do it if you can't.

Just put the bike where the back tire is facing a wall (keeps the rocks/rubber from hitting nearby vehicles, people, trees, whatever), and burn the tire for about 5 - 10 seconds. Repeat about 2 more times. Here's a website that details how to do a burnout How to Do A Burnout

It doesn't altogether eliminate the slippery aspect of a new tire, but it helps speed up the grippy feel a bit.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming....

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RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

I have to get new tires soon, so I feel your pain. I've read/heard of riders applying sandpaper to the tires to scratch off some of the slippery gunk. I'm not sure what grade paper.

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

The tire industry loves you stephygee:D I've refrained from burnouts on my current tire and have far exceeded my previous best tire mileage by a bunch. Just riding it for 50-100 miles with progressive lean angles will get all the slicky off unless you just enjoy doing burnouts in which case that's cool too.

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

i use a trick that my dad told me about. back in the 60's and 70's when he drag raced and the only tires available were bias plies, he used to rough the tire up with any course sandpaper and a sanding block. this got the shine off and was equivalent to riding for a few miles. worked for him and i tried it and it seemed to work for me.

RE: Do new tires have less traction???
 

What grade paper did you use?