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Original tire - 15 years old - use it or replace it?

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:01 pm
by rhd
Just bought a 1991 bike that has been garaged since new. Both tires are original. The back one has got to be replaced - original owner "flatted" the tread in the middle.

But the front tire looks like new - no cracks, etc. But it is 15 years old.

My older brother, who rode bikes for decades - going back to the Ariels and Indians - said it's fine as long as the rubber isn't cracked etc.

Me, I am real skeptical.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance, Bob

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:10 pm
by rapidblue
the rubber breaks down over time and can become brittle. No way in hell would I ride on that tire, sorry but I think you should bite the bullet and replace the tire. It's your call though, what's your life worth to ya?

enjoy the bike though! :D

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:15 pm
by Kal
I'd be with your brother, as long as the rubber is in good condition then there is no problem.

If you have any doubts about it though it is time to get a new tire, you're riding will be better for it.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:02 pm
by flynrider
It may look good, but the rubber has dried out. It probably shows no cracks because it hasn't been rolling with the weight of the bike on it. If it's 15 yrs. old, the cracks will show up soon.

Aside from cracks, rubber that has dried out tends to become hard and somewhat slippery. They will lose traction much easier than a fresh tire.

I've resurrected a few bikes that had ancient tires on them. I rode like I was riding on a wet slippery surface until I could get them replaced.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:17 pm
by JCS
Replace it immediately.

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:21 pm
by Kal
Okay, Now I'm interested... What is the longest you guys would actually continue to use a tire for before replacing regardless of mileage/condition?

Every three years/ every five / every ten...

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 4:24 pm
by High_Side
It will be a bowling ball, replace it immediately. The only tire that I have had that was that old was on the front my wifes old 250 and it was deadly. Spend the $$

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 4:34 pm
by Sev
Mine get worn out before they staledate.

Replace that tire btw.

Thanks everyone - I'll get front and back ones

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:42 pm
by rhd
as you all know, there's really no margin for error on a bike - and old rubber is pushing the odds the wrong way.

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:54 pm
by MontyCarlo
High_Side wrote:The only tire that I have had that was that old was on the front my wifes old 250 and it was deadly.
The evil part of me smiled when I read that... :twisted: "Nah, honey that tire is fine, now lean a little more into that next curve by the ravine...."