Tech: Bicycle tyres ???

Subject: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 26 May 11 - 08:28 AM

right then, bike tyres ????

I've a decent quality hybrid road/trail bike.
Still using the same tyres since new 10 years ago.
The front tyre still looks good condition with plenty of well defined tread,
but the back is now very worn and smooth.

Me being 17 stone for the last 2 years has probably done for that back tyre.

I mostly cycle on roads, with a little recreational offroad cycling in summer.

Ok, the sensible idea is to buy a pair of new replacement tyres,
but the cheapest option is to just swap the old tyres over
so the good tyre is now at the back supporting my weight.
Internet opinion is divided as to whether this is a good money saving idea
or potentially lethal !!!???

Or next most cost effective solution is to only replace the back tyre with a new one..

What do you folks think ?

would there be any practical problems if an equivalent new back tyre doesn't entirely match
the tread pattern of the original front tyre ?

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: artbrooks
Date: 26 May 11 - 08:40 AM

Last question first - absolutely not, unless you have aesthetic issues about tire tracks in the dirt.

Basic question: so, you are contemplating putting a worn-out tire on the front wheel...the one that controls your steering and always hits potholes first? Are you already a member of the over-the-bars club, or is this part of the initiation rites for your local chapter? I think you should buy a new one. :>)

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: Newport Boy
Date: 26 May 11 - 08:47 AM

Don't even think of using the worn rear on the front. More than 3/4 of your braking comes from the front, and it's almost impossible to recover from a front wheel skid. The cost of a new tyre is peanuts compared with the damage a bald tyre can do. Bald tyres are also much more susceptible to punctures.

Don't worry about the tread pattern - it's not really an issue on hybrids. I've used a knobbly rear with a straight front for mixed riding - grip from the rear on gravel, and directional stability/good cornering from the front on the road.

Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 May 11 - 08:57 AM

I bought the biggest, toughset tyres 6 or 7 years ago and never regreted it Shwalbe something or other, expensive but worth ebry penny. - Just compare most things on a bike with anuthing on a car

Cheers

L in C#

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 26 May 11 - 10:01 AM

Get a new one! If you cycle mainly on roads, look at the smoother treads. They're more comfortable and more efficient. Look out for a 2 for 1 offer!

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 26 May 11 - 11:08 AM

"More than 3/4 of your braking comes from the front"

I didn't realize it was that low - I'd have put it in the upper 90s per cent.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 May 11 - 11:23 AM

Ewan MacColl didn't show a lot of interest in bikes

L in C#

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: terrier
Date: 26 May 11 - 11:27 AM

Bicycle Song

There ya go, now it's a musical thread ;)

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: Newport Boy
Date: 26 May 11 - 11:40 AM

"More than 3/4 of your braking comes from the front"

I didn't realize it was that low - I'd have put it in the upper 90s per cent.

Well, the 'upper 90s' are more that 3/4 :-).

Seriously, The figure is very variable and depends a lot on the static loading on the rear wheel. punkfolkrocker says he's 17 stone - that's the same as me plus fully-loaded panniers, and I can get good rear-wheel braking when the bike is fully loaded. The same is true of our old heavyweight tandem.

Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 26 May 11 - 02:13 PM

If the tire (tyre) has been in use long enough to need replacement or "rotation" it's quite likely that the wheel could benefit from a "trueing." This is done with the tire off, rotating the wheel on its axle and adjusting spoke tensions to remove any wiggles and wobbles in the rim, before re-mounting the tyre.

Since individual spokes frequently stretch after a time in use, this adjustment sometimes results in one or more spokes that protrude through the end of the "nut," presenting the danger of puncturing the tyre or tube from the inside.

There should be a rubber ring on the rim, between the spoke ends and the tube/tyre to protect against this kind of internal abuse, but a spoke end that projects past the protector ring (after adjustment) may need to be trimmed or sometimes individual spokes need to be replaced. The ring itself often degrades to the point where replacement is recommended.

Assuming that you're planning to do the remounting of the tyres yourself, a close inspection of the condition and placement of the protector is recommended - if construction practices in your part of the world are similar to what's most common in mine.

As with auto tyres, tread wear is not the only, or best, indicator of the need for replacement. Most "experts" (including some who don't sell tyres) recommend replacement of auto tyres after about five years (or sooner) regardless of remaining tread, due to "rubber rot" from ozone, uv, and road chemical exposures, and it's unlikely that your ten year old examples retain more than a small fraction of their original "material integrity." Unless prices are significantly different in our respective locales, you're probably due for a pair of newbies.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Bicycle tyres ???
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 28 May 11 - 12:59 PM

Thanks for all the sound advice.
I knew folkies could be relied on for serious hardcore bike tech knowledge.

My bike is now at the local cycle shop awaiting 2 new tyres & inner tubes [ and a wheel rim re-straightening].

safety's gotta be prioritised over saving a few quid,
though the total bill including labour will make a big dent in
next weeks household budget.

cheers...