Hey guys, theres been a lot of talk about tires lately... heres one of the most basic questions available...


When exactly do you know its time for new rubber? Are there supposed to be indicators?


When I look at my tire, it looks like I have plenty of tread left. Meaning the grooves are fairly deep. When exactly will I know that its time for a new tire?


thanks for any help,

Chris

 

There are two basic times you'll need tires. First, for street riding there are wear indicators letting you know when the "usable" tread is gone. Usually their's an arrow on the sidewall showing where the markers are -- basically just a raised bit of rubber in the tread groove. When the rubber around it is down to the bit-o-rubber then it's time.

Now if you ride aggressively (street or track) then there's another time that you'd consider changing the tires. It's when the compound has been through enough cycles to not be as sticky as it used to be. Most likely you'll have wads of tread left but the rubber is not the same as it once was. If you continue riding to the edge on tires that have "gone out" then you'll wad up a nice bike. Still perfectly fine for 90% of riding though.

 

Alrighty then chain, thanks soooo much for telling me. I knew it was simple, im just the new guy yet. I believe my tires (metzler sportec m1) have definately gone through all of its cycles, as they are nowhere near what everyone says they should be (either that or there are oil slicks EVERYWHERE I go ) but Ill wait till its on the indicator b4 i buy new, just because i cant go buying tires all the time. Ill just take it easy on them like I usually do, and maybe speed the process up a bit with a couple of smokies


thank you very much chain, take er easy...


Chris