How do know when you need to replace your tyres?

[Coume]

Fair enough, it sounds stupid but I really don't know

I have ridden 5,500 miles or so on my bike but 2,290miles were done over the last week touring Scotland... I have to confess that I did play a bit on the west coast roads (7h on the dry and 2/3h in the VERY wet) and I start to believe that I killed my front tyre.

I drove back yesterday from York to London under the light rain and I was unable to lean the bike (even a little) in round abouts without losing the front. In the first one, I thought I went over a bit of diesel but then it happened times and times over the 6h ride so I am wondering if my front tyre could be dead... The tyre does not have a nice rounded shape anymore. The thread size is still very deep but it is like it "lost" its grip.

Am I being being stupid there or could I have really killed the tyre in such a small mileage?

Thanks

Ludo

P.S.: I have taken some pictures but can't upload them right now, I will try again later on.

[Guest]

min tread depth 1mm for bikes, or damage to tyre..

you've come across "greasy" roads, this is when theres been light rain enough to raise the crap to the surface but not wash it away, which means the surface is not as grippy, wash the tyres when you wash the bike..

[Coume]

ok, I managed to upload the pictures.

Here are thumbnails but to see the high res, just go to http://coume.fastmail.fm

http://coume.fastmail.fm/back%20001.jpg?variant=thumbhttp://coume.fastmail.fm/front%20001.jpg?variant=thumbhttp://coume.fastmail.fm/front%20002.jpg?variant=thumbhttp://coume.fastmail.fm/front%20003.jpg?variant=thumbhttp://coume.fastmail.fm/front%20004.jpg?variant=thumb

As you can see, the back one is still fine. It is teared a bit but nothing bad. The one looking much worst is the front one

Do you think than losing the grip was due to "greasy" roads or am I good to change it?

Thanks

Ludo

[mealexme]

The tread looks ok from the pics as far as i can tell (but i am not there so cant be 100% sure)

Also suposadly deisel stays on the tyres for 5 miles (i think. it may be more), so if you have gone over a patch then it could have staid slippery for a while. And i am sure that you would have gone over a bit at some point.

just before roundabouts are a prime spot for oil due to this being where cars stop and you can get patches of the stuff which could be why you found it hard to control round roundabouts.

If i was you i would wash them, as suggested by frankie, and go slow for the next few miles. if the problem persists then change them. It is better to pay for a new tire than to have a long stretch in hosp with broken bones.

soz for (sp) me=tired zzzzzz

[caretaker]

The tread looks ok from the pics as far as i can tell (but i am not there so cant be 100% sure)

Also suposadly deisel stays on the tyres for 5 miles (i think. it may be more), so if you have gone over a patch then it could have staid slippery for a while. And i am sure that you would have gone over a bit at some point.

just before roundabouts are a prime spot for oil due to this being where cars stop and you can get patches of the stuff which could be why you found it hard to control round roundabouts.

If i was you i would wash them, as suggested by frankie, and go slow for the next few miles. if the problem persists then change them. It is better to pay for a new tire than to have a long stretch in hosp with broken bones.

soz for (sp) me=tired zzzzzz

 

Yes, light rain after a long dry spell can particularly make the roads greasy- re worn tyres

I don't really know but I was told that tyres have a small raised piece of rubber withing the tread recess which relates to 1 mm in depth and this is also pointed to on the outside of the tyre with a marker v arrow about every 150-200mm around the tyre wall. The tyre is worn down fully when the tread thats left has worn level with the raised piece within the tread recess. I was shown them and they are quite hard to see...on the one I looked at.....so needs close inspection.

1mm is also the limit but obviously in greasy conditions 2mm is better

Anyone else heard of this?

[rennie]

yes!, all tyres should have wear indicators somewhere.

Have you checked the pressure?

sure you haven't got a slow puncture or something?

[fullscreenaging]

BT021's are renowned for uneven wear on the front tyre. Mine did exactly the same thing. Do a google and you'll see you're not the only one.

Same thing happened to a mate of mine. He managed to get a Bridgestone Rep round to have a look at his and got a replacement.

Mine where due to be replaced. I went for the Michelin Pilot Road 2's and never looked back. I will never use Bridgestone on a bike again.

[Guest]

Dont forget if the bike was fully load with gear the front end may be light!

[Guest]

good point, overlooked that one... touring kitted up will affect the handling characteristics..

take it for a run without kit and see how it feels...

[mealexme]

Have you been out on a run since yesterday? if so, how did it go?

If there is no reply in the next day or so i presume not well...

[Coume]

I still haven't had time to wash the tyre and get out on it. I don't know if I will have time this week-end

But re-comment being loaded, I did 2,290miles being loaded at the back and a lot of weight on the front due to the tankbag and I was able to play on the Scottish roads without feeling any front skids even under damp or VERY wet conditions. I will check the tyre pressure in case of puncture and will keep you posted

[Coume]

Ok, I have been able to take the bike out this week-end.

As soon as I removed the cover, I could see the tyres were shinning of diesel... whereas it could not be seen straight after my trip 2 weeks ago. I cleaned both back and front and checked pressure. Front was down by 2psi. Went for a 2h a ride on the dry and the grip is back. Just need a wet day to check if they still grip on the wet too

[mealexme]

As soon as I removed the cover, I could see the tyres were shinning of diesel...

Thers's ya answer lol.

Atleast it was something simple to fix!