How Long Do Bike Tires Last – 9 Signs of Deteriorating Tires
How long do bike tires last – It can be tricky to know when exactly to replace the tires on your bike. On one hand, you don’t want to replace them any earlier than you need to, but on the other hand, leaving it too late to replace them could lead to you getting in an accident.
It’s important to be aware of all the signs that can mean your bike tires need to be replaced, such as worn-out tread or lumps in the tires.
But how long do bike tires tend to last? The following will break down everything you need to know about bike tires.
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How Long Does A Bike Tire Usually Last?
Most road bike tires and hybrid bike tires tend to last for around one thousand to three thousand miles. Mountain bikes, though, can last between one thousand and seven thousand miles.
The tires of racing bikes have an average mileage of just one thousand miles, while puncture-resistant tires are closer to between three thousand to five thousand miles.
There are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of a bike’s tires, though. These include things like the loading capacity, the riding surface, the tire pressure, the riding frequency, and the maintenance.
Invest in some quality tires for a longer life with this DuraSkin Puncture & Sidewall Protection
How Do You Know When Your Bike Tires Need Replacing?
To avoid getting in accidents and for the smoothest ride possible, it’s important to know all the potential warning signs of a worn bike tire. Every now and then take some time to check both of your bike’s tires.
Look for things like bulges, or tumours. These tend to be the earliest warning signs that a tire needs to be replaced. If you ignore this and continue to ride your bike with tires in this condition, it will eventually lead to a blowout.
Another sign that your bike tires need to be replaced is if they’re regularly requiring patch-ups. A small piece of glass or the odd rock shouldn’t normally require you to get your tire fixed- only if the tire is already worn.
You should also be replacing your bike tires if their tread is either worn or completely gone, just like you would with bike tires (and, in some cases, even shoes).
When it comes to mountain bikes you’ll know you need to replace your tires when you see that the knobs are nearly gone.
If the centre of your bike tire (particularly on road bikes) appears to be flat instead of rounded, replace the tire.
Another sign your tires need to be replaced is cracking in the rubber of the tread, or anywhere on the tire. They often appear on the edges of the tire’s knobs.
These cracks mean that the rubber is breaking down, and you need to replace the tire. If you don’t replace a tire in this condition, the cracks will continue to grow and the tire could end up falling apart.
You may also need to replace your bike tires if the handling doesn’t feel as good as it used to. Poorer handling is often caused by loss of traction, which is caused by the bike’s tires losing tread.
Some of the more obvious indicators that your tires need to be replaced are if they have a hole in them or a large cut. While a lot of tubeless tires can be repaired using sealant, traditional tires are more likely to need replacing, especially if it’s a large cut in the sidewall.
Also, if your tires seem to be frequently getting flats, it likely means the integrity of the inner tube is compromised, and you’ll need to replace the tire.
Some road bikes will have wear indicators moulded into their tires. These patterns can be found at the bottom edge of the bike’s tire.
The pattern will get more and more worn as the tire’s lifespan decreases, giving you a handy indication of how soon you’ll need to replace it. Mountain bikes don’t have these patterns, but they do have knobs, which serve the same purpose.
Tips For Making Your Bike Tires Last Longer
All bike tires need to be replaced eventually, but there are a number of ways you can prolong their lifespan.
First, the most obvious: make sure your tires are inflated properly. Both over-inflating or under-inflating your tires will reduce their lifespan.
You must also refrain from overloading, as well as letting the tires sit without being used for a long period of time. When they’re unused, bike tires gradually deteriorate, so make sure your bike isn’t sitting in your garage for months at a time.
Another factor that can increase the lifespan of a bike tire is storing your bike correctly. Keep your bike in a cool and dry place, where the tires are safe from the elements with this Light Weigh Bike Storage Tent.
You should also make sure your bike tires are kept properly clean with this Tire Foam, as this can improve both their lifespan and their performance.
Consider buying a tire protectant or sealant. Applying said substances to your bike tires will likely slow their deterioration, and act as further protection from the elements.
How Much Will A New Bike Tire Cost?
The cost of a new bike tire varies depending on the tread pattern, wheel size, and width. Mountain bike tires can cost from $30 to $99, while traditional bike tires tend to be a little cheaper.
Tires that have puncture resistance or flat protection will naturally cost more. They’re worth the investment, though.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a bike tire depends on a number of different factors, but even race bike tires are designed to last at least one thousand miles.
You can increase the lifespan of your bike tires with a few different methods, but mostly it’s just down to proper maintenance.
From time to time you should be checking the condition of your tires, as well as applying sealant, and making sure they’re properly inflated.