When Should you Replace your Bike Tires?

If you ride your bike, tires are one thing that you will have to replace at some point.

New tires are an immediate upgrade to your bike and will provide improved traction and make all aspects of riding better. This is why you want to replace your bike tires when needed. They give you the grip you need to rip through corners and keep your bike rubber-side-down. So, how are you supposed to know when it’s time to change them? Here are 6 hints that it might be time to put some new shoes on your bike.

Worn Tread – this is an easy-to-spot problem. The absence or lack of tread on your tire means that you’ve already gotten the most out of them and it’s time to replace!

Flat Spot – while it is easy to spot worn tread on a mountain bike tire, road tires are a different story. Instead of lack of tread, you’ll notice a flat spot down the centerline. If you use your road bike on a trainer, you’ll probably notice this problem more quickly. You will be more susceptible to punctures, and it will be harder to maintain top speed when cornering.

Cracked Rubber – just like in car tires, if you see cracked rubber, it’s time to give them the heave-ho! Rubber becomes brittle with age and cracks can easily turn into dangerous blowouts when you’re cruising along at high speeds.

Cuts and Holes – this should be an obvious clue to anyone that it’s time for some new tires. If you see cuts and holes in the rubber, you no longer have the structural stability. You should replace them.

Uneven Tread Wear – just like having little to no tread, uneven wear is fairly simple to spot when you’re looking for it. This mostly means that you favor cornering on one side. If that is the case, you’re going to go into a corner and not have the tread to carry you through. Replace your tire if one side is worn.

Bulges and Bubbles – growths on anything isn’t good, and that goes for your tires too. If you find a bulge or bubble on your tire, you need to replace it immediately. Those bubbles can burst at any time, leaving you stranded. 

If you’ve got any questions about the longevity of your tires (or anything else bike-related) stop by! We’d be happy to take a look and let you know if it’s time or if you’re good to go for a while.