One of the major questions most cyclists ask is concerning the lifespan of road bike tires. However, it is not very easy to tell the exact lifespan but one of the most effective ways to ensure that the tires will last is buying puncture resistant tires.
You should check the materials used to ensure that they are sturdy enough for all road trails. In this article, we shall discuss some of the most important things you should now concerning the durability of the tires.
Average Mileage
On average, most road bike tires have a lifespan of 2000-4000 miles. However, puncture resistant tires may last up to 5000 miles because they are made of quality materials. For the lightweight tires or those with soft and thin materials, they are likely to last for 2000 miles or less.
In most cases, most manufacturers don’t include the durability of the tires. This is because, the lifespan of a road bike depends on so many things like the terrain, your weight, riding style among other factors. In short, the durability of tires depends on the user and how you will maintain them.
How to detect wears on a road bike tire
Unlike the treads found on car tires, road bike tires have a thin tread and you may not be able to see any wears easily. However, if your tread has some patterns, you can easily detect any missing or inconsistent patterns.
Again, you may see some cuts or flat spots on the tire which is also a major sign that you need to replace. Also, if the carcass thread or the diagonal pattern located below the rubber is visible, you need to replace the tire.
If you realize that the sidewall is becoming thin and the tire has not covered so many miles, it means that you need to replace the tires immediately. Sometimes you may see cracks or threads on the sidewall which is not a good sign.
Major causes of tire wears
Pressure
Using the tires for a long time without the required pressure may cause the tires to wear fast. Always ensure that the tires are inflated before you start cycling. Note that when you are cycling with insufficient pressure, the sidewalls may lose their rigidity which in turn leads to frequent flats.
Weight
Your weight is another factor that affects the lifespan of the tires. If you are heavy, the tires are likely to wear fast. Again, if you use the bike frequently, the tires may not last.
Surface
When cycling on rough conditions, the tires may get into contact with sharp objects that may destroy the tires. To prevent this, ensure that you have purchased sturdy or puncture resistant tires.
Conclusion
If you love riding road bikes, you must ensure that your bike is well maintained if you want it to give you the best performance. One of the best ways is by ensuring that your tires are in always in good condition.
Ensure that they are well inflated before you start cycling. Again, you also need to check any signs of wears so that you can replace them on time.
