If you rank all the bike parts in terms of importance, the bike tires should be one of the top parts. That is how important the tire is to your bicycle. As a bike owner, it is your responsibility to check from time to time if the tire is still in excellent shape. There will come a time when you will decide to replace the existing tires of your bike.
But when to replace bicycle tires? The frequency of tire replacement for a bicycle depends on various factors, including the type of biking you do, the terrain you ride on, and the quality of your bike tire. However, there are sure signs that will give you a hint that it is now high time to replace your bike tire. Please read below.
Contents
Signs to Replace Your Bicycle Tires
Tread Wear
One of the signs it is now time to replace the bike tire is tread wear. If you notice that the tread on your bike’s tire is already wearing down, it can be a problem for you when on the road as it provides less grip and handling.
So, the immediate solution is to replace the tire when the thread wears down to the wear indicator, a small groove running across the tire’s thread. A worn-down tread is an obvious indicator if you want to know when to replace bike tires.
As a bike owner, you must locate a particular tire brand’s tread wear indicator (TWI). Some brands come with tread wear indicators that will let you know it is now time to replace the tire.
One of those tires is the continental brand. This particular tire comes with two smaller tap holes in the tread’s middle portion, which will disappear when the tire needs replacement. Three small letters, “TWI,” on the sidewall will also show where the tread indicator is. Other manufacturers also have their own way of showing the tread wear indicators.
Punctures and Cuts
The presence of cuts and punctures in your bike tire is a sign that it is now time to replace it, especially when it is too large to be repaired. In a situation where the side of your tire has large cuts, the risk of a tire blowout is bigger and can likely weaken the tire.
In addition, please note that the road has a lot of debris and junk that can puncture the tire and can cause a possible buildup of small cuts. The most important thing is to check on cuts in the tire that can lead to possible blow out.
Tire is Old
Another indicator that your bike tire needs replacement is its age. When your bike tire is already five years old or more, it is now the right time to replace it. Some tires may still look good and in excellent shape after five years because you are not using them frequently.
In addition, as time goes by, the rubber can dry out and may become brittle with age, which makes it susceptible to a blowout if it is not replaced. Check on the side of the bike to see if it has cracks. If it has, you need to replace your bike tire immediately.
Bulges and Deformities
Another sign that the bike tire needs replacement is the change in its physical structure if you want to know when to replace road bike tires, physical deformation like bulging and other deformities.
Once you notice any physical deformation on the tire, it is the right time to replace it. Bulging and other physical issues with your tire are signs that the tire is structurally compromised and is dangerous when used on the road.
So, before going out for a ride, you must thoroughly check your bike tire for any physical issues, including bulges, bubbles, and the like. Failure to spot these physical deformities in your tire can lead to problems while you are on the road. Be vigilant to prevent any untoward accidents on the road.
Performance Issues
As a bike owner, you know better the overall condition of your bike, including the tire. If you begin to notice that there is a decrease in performance, it is now high time to give the tire its proper rest.
Among these performance issues, you need to check to include the increase in rolling resistance. Another decrease in performance may happen is a decrease in speed even if you apply the same pedal intensity as you used to. If you notice this decrease in performance, it is a must to replace the tire.
In addition, if you begin to experience constant flats on the road, it is another performance issue indicating you need to replace the bike tire immediately. The puncture increase means the tire is already worn out and needs replacement.
How Long Do Road Bike Tires Last
A common question among road bike enthusiasts is how often you should replace bike tires. To properly answer the question, you must know how long the bike tire has been used on the road. The conventional idea is that the bike tire lasts anywhere from 1000 to 3000 miles. Some high-quality tires can last up to 2500 miles.
When it comes to age, road bike tires wear with age too. As mentioned earlier, even if you are not using the bike too much and it is still in excellent shape when you look at it, it does not mean that it can be trusted on the road. The rubber has the tendency to brittle over time which can affect its performance and worthiness.
Conclusion
If you want to know when to replace bicycle tires, there are signs you can consider, as indicated in this article. It is better to check your tire regularly for any signs of wear and damage. You can even bring it to a reputable bike shop for them to check and evaluate the current condition of your bike tire.