do tires go bad?

[vqdriver]

so i hold on to my old or unused tires and realized last night that the stack has grown. either i tried a different size or brand or something, and the older tires are still good so they just end up on the pile. is there a good litmus test for when they're just too old? does the rubber dry out or something?

[witcombusa]

Yes, just like car tires, motorcycle tires, tractor tires, etc.
The rubber hardens and they then offer much less traction. Car/m/c tires all have a date code on them as to when they where made. Personally 5 years is about as far as I want to take it. When you get rid of them (even if they are not 'worn out') the difference in feel and traction is truly amazing.

Of course their are other things that can go wrong too on older tires like dry rot or UV deterioration on the sidewalls in particular.

[FlashUNC]

Dry rot. If it feels like a board too, then it's past its expiration date.

[572cv]

OTOH, I have some really old Michelin ProRace2s which looked to be in pretty good shape, so I mounted them to use on the rollers this winter. I have never had a set of tires hold up so well on rollers! They just wear like iron. I guess they hardened up just right for that application....

[drewskey]

OTOH, I have some really old Michelin ProRace2s which looked to be in pretty good shape, so I mounted them to use on the rollers this winter. I have never had a set of tires hold up so well on rollers! They just wear like iron. I guess they hardened up just right for that application....

You've discovered the magic of how gatorskins are made. ;)

[572cv]

You've discovered the magic of how gatorskins are made. ;)

?? They use old Michelin Prorace2s ? :p

[Cicli]

?? They use old Michelin Prorace2s ? :p

I think they actually use vulcanized garden hoses for those. At least they ride like it.

[simplemind]

Interesting that this thread came up just at the time I found my 3 yr old Schwalbe One front tire started showing cracking in one section. I bought both front and rear at the same time and rear shows no such deterioration, and has less than 600 miles.
Think this is safe to ride on?

https://flic.kr/p/S6ZFns

https://www.flickr.com/photos/94958412@N00/33343824220/in/dateposted-public/

[Cicli]

Interesting that this thread came up just at the time I found my 3 yr old Schwalbe One front tire started showing cracking in one section. I bought both front and rear at the same time and rear shows no such deterioration, and has less than 600 miles.
Think this is safe to ride on?

https://flic.kr/p/S6ZFns

https://www.flickr.com/photos/94958412@N00/33343824220/in/dateposted-public/

I would never, never ride with a questionable tire on the front. Unless you have a dentist on speed dial.
Retire that tire to trainer duty or toss it.

[simplemind]

I would never, never ride with a questionable tire on the front. Unless you have a dentist on speed dial.
Retire that tire to trainer duty or toss it.

lol, btw I do ride with a dentist! :D

I'm guessing that any rubber separation (not cord) is considered doa.

[MikeD]

Interesting that this thread came up just at the time I found my 3 yr old Schwalbe One front tire started showing cracking in one section. I bought both front and rear at the same time and rear shows no such deterioration, and has less than 600 miles.
Think this is safe to ride on?

https://flic.kr/p/S6ZFns

https://www.flickr.com/photos/94958412@N00/33343824220/in/dateposted-public/



As long as the casing is in good shape I would ride it, but only on the back wheel. I used to use Michelin Hi-Lite tires and the tread rubber cracked on them early in life, but didn't seem to make a difference.

[AngryScientist]

yes, tires do go bad.

the effects of ozone and UV rays definitely accelerate the death of rubber based materials.

a good fast road tire is at its best when the rubber is new soft and supple, once it starts to really dry out, the grip is not the same.

i have had many many tires that went to the bin because the sidewalls were too dry rot to hold pressure anymore. i just went through the exercise of getting rid of a whole bunch of old tires because they were just shot.

now, brand new tires, stored in a cool, dark place not exposed to excess temps or ozone can last a very very long time.

[MikeD]

yes, tires do go bad.



the effects of ozone and UV rays definitely accelerate the death of rubber based materials.



a good fast road tire is at its best when the rubber is new soft and supple, once it starts to really dry out, the grip is not the same.



i have had many many tires that went to the bin because the sidewalls were too dry rot to hold pressure anymore. i just went through the exercise of getting rid of a whole bunch of old tires because they were just shot.



now, brand new tires, stored in a cool, dark place not exposed to excess temps or ozone can last a very very long time.



Why do they age tubulars?

[sandyrs]

Why do they age tubulars?

To allow the bond between tire and tread to strengthen, as it continues to do so for 6-8 months after the tire is first manufactured.