Older tire issue

[mcteague]

The Michelin PR4 Endurance tires on my back-up bike seem to be showing some age. I’m not sure how old they are, most likely just 3-4 years. The tread looks fine but, as seen below, some pink rubber is showing on the side walls. Should I replace them or is this just a cosmetic issue?

Tim

[avalonracing]

I always lean on the side of safety with tires. I just go too fast down hills and around corners to worry about older rubber losing grip, or worse yet, a sudden deflation. $60-120 for a new set of tires is cheaper than anything that would happen in one of those scenarios.

[veggieburger]

Had similar issue on blue Michelin tires. Deflated the tires, sidewalk felt dry and flakey...tossed them.

[K3RRY]

I’d get new tires to be on the safe side

Since there’s a thread opened for this then you know what’s the right option

[mcteague]

I’d get new tires to be on the safe side

Since there’s a thread opened for this then you know what’s the right option

I have several new spares on hand and was going to replace them. Just curious about the odd issue and thought the peanut gallery might have some experience with it.

Tim

[GregL]

Had similar issue on blue Michelin tires. Deflated the tires, sidewalk felt dry and flakey...tossed them.
Agreed, it’s a common issue with Michelins. I’ve seen it happen with Krylions that were only in use for slightly more than a year. Wasn’t too happy to have the sidewalls starting to weaken when there was still significant tread thickness. I retired the tires to trainer use and haven’t purchased Michelins since.

Greg

[steelbikerider]

It happens when the sidewalls start to get scuffed and thin. Mine got worse in the summer( high temps and humidity) since I keep my bikes in the garage. The pink goo must be a layer of adhesive or sealant between between the casing layers. I figured that the sidewalls were getting weak so I changed them.

[rustychisel]

Sorry mcteague, someone has to say it: 'friends don't let friends ride Michelin'.

[gbcoupe]

I haven't seen the pink bleed through, but did have a sidewall issue with a Michelin 4 (never had a problem with 3's). Sidewall dried and bubbled up rather abruptly. Kinda like it had been on a rear rack in front of a hot exhaust, but was not. I rode it for a while longer and kept an eye on it. It blew while hanging in the basement. I got lucky. I'm frugal and sometimes stupid. It's a balance.

[mcteague]

Sorry mcteague, someone has to say it: 'friends don't let friends ride Michelin'.

I’ve ridden them for a long time and found little reason to change. The older PR2s and 3s tended to cut easily but the PR4s are great, very resistant to flats in my experience. I also like how the 25s plump up to 29 on 19mm internal width rims.

Tim

[rustychisel]

Understood.

I haven't ridden Michelin for over 10 years, I confess. Liked the ride, didn't mind the grip, couldn't keep them inflated. PR3 used to suffer catastrophic slashes at random; eventually I decided when someone used a bread knife within three city blocks they'd give it up.

[Blue Jays]

As cycling enthusiasts, we occasionally pedal 50+ mph downhill.
The moment tires become "doubtful" is moment they get changed.