Worn tires

[rattlesnakeross]

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I searched past postings on this topic but did not really find a satisfactory answer. My wear bars just began to show today, is it safe to ride about 250 km til I get new tires. I had one sudden flat on a bike due to a puncture and it was not a pleasant experience. I figure it probably is safe but would like some advice from fellow riders. Thanks

 

[stevex]

I think you will find most people err on the side of caution when it comes to their tires here....the wear bars are there for a reason - you are definitely compromising your safety by continuing to put KMs on them.

That being said, I've rode a few tires to the cords, and nothing bad happened.. but that doesn't mean that risk wasn't greatly increased. Judgement call on your part.

Do you HAVE to ride? No other means of transportation?

 

[GreyGhost]

I searched past postings on this topic but did not really find a satisfactory answer. My wear bars just began to show today, is it safe to ride about 250 km til I get new tires. I had one sudden flat on a bike due to a puncture and it was not a pleasant experience. I figure it probably is safe but would like some advice from fellow riders. Thanks

cords? wear bars are normally visible in the rain grooves from new.

Personally I have ridden tires to the cords before (not intentionally, I was a long way from home and needed to get back quickly). As above, your chances of problems will increase, but the tires won't immediately explode. If the cords are out, your traction will be significantly reduced, take it easy.

 

[ZX600]

250 km is two commutes to work for me, that is nothing, ride on and don't worry so much.

 

[Toro Negro]

I'd start looking to buy a new set very soon. Personally rode down to the cords also, twice. Nothing happened but you are taking a chance on the tire carcass failing on you.

 

[Bagman]

Plenty more life in those tires beyond just 250km. The wear bars are there to indicate it's time to start looking. I would purchase next season. Your tread depth is much less now than it was when they were new. That'll impact the wet-weather traction. If you wear them down enough you'll have slicks for great dry-road traction.

 

[Joots]

I personally wouldn't worry about another 250km on them if the wear indicators just surfaced. I would just start looking to replace them immediately.

 

[rattlesnakeross]

Thanks for the info. Will be replacing the tires next week because I may be riding south soon.

 

[rattlesnakeross]

cords? wear bars are normally visible in the rain grooves from new.

I stand corrected. I should have said "tread worn down to the wear bars" The original statement was ambiguous.

 

[CafeRay]

Usually when you get that low, two things happen: less tread depth for water to get out of the contact patch, and the increased heat on the smaller volume of rubber causes the remaining rubber to throw off volatiles and get harder. If the tire is old, this just makes the rubber even harder.

 

[Bagman]

Thanks for the info. Will be replacing the tires next week because I may be riding south soon.

Smart thinking. There's more than 250kms left on them, but not that much for a ride south to keep things properly safe.

 

[coyo]

I had a great ride yesterday. I knew my tires were getting close but figured I'd pull the season out of the rear.

Washed it today and found;

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