When To Change a Bicycle Tyre? The truth is that there is no single answer to this question. There are many factors that can affect the condition and performance of a bicycle tyre. In the following, we will look at all the cases in which we should replace the tyres on our bike with new ones. It should be noted that keeping tyres in good condition is essential for the safety of the cyclist. Tyres or tyres are the elements of the bicycle that maintain contact with the surface we ride on, directly affecting the stability and handling of the vehicle.
When To Change a Bicycle Tyre?
Examines tyre tread and treadwear
First of all, it is important to differentiate between a road tyre and an MTB tyre. Depending on the bike you have and the type of cycling you do, you will use tyres with special characteristics and properties to suit a particular surface or terrain. Road tyres have a narrower, smoother profile specifically designed to minimise rolling resistance on asphalt, paved and smooth roads. In contrast, MTB tyres are much wider and have pronounced lugs in the tread, which provide additional traction on uneven terrain such as mountains, roads or trails full of dirt, gravel or rocks.
On road tyres, tread wear is evident in the silhouette of the tread. A new road tyre has a very long curved profile, which loses its shape through wear and tear as it is used. When the curved shape between the sidewalls becomes flat, it is a clear indication that the tyres need to be replaced. Some road tyres have a tread pattern or small grooves that add grip to the surface. If this pattern disappears or starts to fade, it is another sign to buy new tyres.
On MTB tyres, wear is more obvious to the naked eye. If the tread blocks have lost height or have disappeared completely, the tyre must be replaced. The side knobs are larger and more durable than the centre knobs, but a worn centre tread can compromise the stability of the bike and the safety of the rider.
Do not reuse a punctured tyre
Tyres are the most exposed components on a bicycle. Continuous contact with the surface can damage, cut or puncture, in the worst case, any sharp object on the road, mountain or any gravel road. The puncture repair tools are a life insurance against this type of accident, as they allow us to solve the problem quickly and continue with the race, outing or excursion. The problem is when these repair kits, patches or wicks are kept on the decks and continue to be used without interruption. Ideally, the tyre should be replaced if there has been any kind of accident, as these tools solve the momentary problem, but are not designed to be kept on for a long time. A damaged tyre may lose some of its properties, so it is highly recommended to replace the tyres if the bike is not in good condition.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
The lifespan of a bicycle tyre can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of terrain you like to ride on, frequency of use, maintenance of the bicycle and the quality of the tyre. Normally, and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, a tyre can last approximately 2 to 3 years if kept in good condition. The manufacturers also recommend changing the tyres after 50,000 kilometres. These data are only approximations of time and distance provided by the manufacturers and can be used as a guide to know when to change the tyres on your bike. This is by no means a statement to be taken at face value. It is much more likely that if you are a regular cyclist with many hours on the road and many kilometres on your legs, you will need to change tyres much earlier than the manufacturers indicate.
Why do tyres wear out?
Terrain is the main factor in tyre wear. Riding on hard, dry and uneven terrain will put more wear and tear on the tyres of the bike. Adverse weather conditions such as rain or high humidity can also have a negative influence on the condition of roofs. Taking into account the above aspects, MTB tyres generally have a shorter lifespan than road or gravel tyres.
The material and quality of the roof itself is another aspect that will decide whether it wears out earlier or later. The tyre tread can be made of either rubber or rubber. Some have a pattern or small lugs that add grip and traction to handling, compared to others with a smoother, simpler braiding.
Risks of cycling on a worn tyre
The correct maintenance of bicycle tyres is a fundamental aspect of cyclist safety. One of the main consequences of riding with a worn tyre is the loss of traction and stability on the bike. When changing direction, such as in sharp bends or on steep slopes, unexpected reactions can occur, causing you to lose your balance and possibly fall off the vehicle. In wet conditions, a thinner and worn tread will have more difficulty in evacuating water from the sidewalls on wet surfaces.
Another important handicap is that as the protective layer of the tyre wears away, the likelihood of a puncture increases. Every regular cyclist knows how tedious it is to manage a puncture in the middle of a race or a ride.
The risk of pedalling with a worn tyre can also affect the rider’s comfort. Reduced tread can create vibrations in the bicycle and create a stiff feeling that reduces the rideability of the vehicle.
In conclusion, a bicycle is the union of multiple components orchestrated to perfection. If just one of these elements is not in good condition, it can have a negative impact on the overall performance of the bicycle. Suspension can be affected due to constant vibrations caused by wear and tear, handling becomes less effective and the rider requires more physical effort to pedal and keep the bike balanced, seriously compromising the rider’s safety.
Tips on how to care for tyres and make them last longer
Inflate the tyre to the correct pressure
Both too much and too little tyre pressure can accelerate tyre wear. The manufacturer indicates the appropriate pressure on the side of the cover.
Check the pressure before each departure
It is highly recommended to check the tyre pressure before every ride or excursion. If you are a regular cyclist with weekly rides, cycle at least once a month.
Keep your bike in good condition
All components of the bicycle are important. Failure to keep suspension, brakes and steering gear in good condition can have an impact on tyre wear.
Avoid sudden speed changes and skidding
Skidding wears the tread of the tyre, so cornering at the right speed is essential to keep tyres in good condition. Acceleration and hard braking also reduce the tyre’s resistance, so reserve it only for when it is absolutely necessary.
How to change a bicycle tyre?
To change a bicycle tyre, the first thing to do is to remove the wheel. If your bike has quick release brakes you can do this in a matter of seconds, otherwise release the brake cable and remove the wheel in the traditional way. Then deflate the old tyre and remove the inner tube. It is recommended that the rim be inspected for debris or sharp objects that may cause future punctures. Place the new inner tube and tyre on the edge of the rim, pushing with your hands until it is completely inserted. Check that the inner tube valve is aligned with the hole in the rim. You can use an air pump to inflate the tyre to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is indicated on the sidewall of the tyre. All that remains is to put the wheel back on the bike.
