Alan Ardizone

This question often comes up : Should bike tires be rotated like car tires to extend their life ?

No.

See you next week !

Oh, wait, you want an explanation ?

What I recommend is to keep the rear tire on until the brownish casing starts to show through the black tread, or nearly so. Then put the front tire on the rear wheel and install new rubber up front.

If you don't move the front tire, it'll probably rot on the rim before it ever shows signs of serious wear.

So that's smart rotation. What's not smart is rotating a half-worn rear tire to the front in an attempt to keep both tires on the bike until they simultaneously wear out. Don't make it easier to lose control because of a front-tire flat or blowout. Have your best rubber on the end of the bike that has the most to say about staying upright.

Besides plain ol' wear, there are a couple of other compelling reasons to retire a tire.

First, a cut too big to be booted.

A cut through the tread and underlying casing can be patched, or "booted," if it's small and fairly straight. A cut that's jagged or curved is probably a blowout waiting to happen, so chuck the tire if it looks that bad.

You can boot a cut from the inside with various things. I like a tube patch or tough strapping (filament) tape. I use a couple of layers and cross the fibers, kind of like the bias of the casing itself. Strapping tape is strong, and the fix should last the life of the tire.

Second, rubber that has dried like a prune on a Phoenix sidewalk.

Riding on a dry, cracked tire, no matter how little tread wear there is, is a bad idea. It'll grip about as good as eggs in a Teflon pan. (I know, I know -- mine stick, too.)

Check for dryness when the tire isn't inflated. Pinch the tread and look for telltale cracks. Scrape your fingernail along the sidewall and watch for powdery residue.

Tires dry out from too much sun exposure, like I'm starting to do. And from ozone exposure when they're stored near electric motors or L.A. smog. A dry climate, like we have here in Colorado, will do it too.

I've been told that Armor All will prevent drying, but I'd be wary of putting anything that slippery near rims and brake pads. Remember, these are just bike tires, not works of art. Replace them if they're questionable.

Caution : For you gals and guys who race, never do it on a compromised tire. A blowout in race conditions could put your life on the line (and the lives of riders around you).

If you can't race on good tires, stay home and earn enough dough till you can afford them. Sketchy equipment cannot be tolerated in the peloton. If you're truly responsible you'll stay out of any group ride when your bike isn't sound.

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