How to tell when tyre is finished?

[KnackeredBike]

Apologies for the basic question but I've previously been on MTB tyres which are much easier to tell.

Had Conti Gatorskins fitted for probably over 10k miles now, I bought them with the bike. They have always been a bit squirmy around corners but my commute is part on a cycle path which is more glass than tarmac so they are worthwhile.

They have definitely squared off and are very cut up but only one puncture. Threads I've read seem to say replace when they loose their grip but as I have said they are rideable for 106kg of me at 115psi rear/105psi front. I don't have any desire to throw it around corners but they did swerve fine at speed in a recent accident

So, when are road tyres past it and how do you tell with no visible tread to wear?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I change mine when the punctures start increasing.

 

[cosmicbike]

This^^, for my commuter which I use Land Cruisers on.

Conti Gatorskins have a couple of little 'wear holes' moulded in, I would replace them when you can no longer see them..

 

[Nomadski]

This^^, for my commuter which I use Land Cruisers on.

Conti Gatorskins have a couple of little 'wear holes' moulded in, I would replace them when you can no longer see them..

That's what the holes on the Michelin Power Endurance tyres are! I thought the lazy buggers ran out of rubber.

 

[CaadX]

Depends on your budget !

 

[MontyVeda]

There's loads of life left in that. When the inner tube bubbles out from beneath, then it's knackered.

 

[tyred]

Whenever it can no longer hold the tube in place.

 

[KnackeredBike]

Thanks for all your feedback. I'll run it into the ground as I was intending to then

 

[CaadX]

Thanks for all your feedback. I'll run it into the ground as I was intending to then

Good lad

 

[CaadX]

[QUOTE 4746786, member: 9609"]what sort of mileage do you get out of that chain ?[/QUOTE]
He wasn't asking about the chain.

 

[KnackeredBike]

[QUOTE 4746786, member: 9609"]what sort of mileage do you get out of that chain ?[/QUOTE]
So far it has outlasted one bike without any oil, cleaning or damaging my rear cassette. I would fully endorse random chain from hardware store for half of your bike chain needs.

 

[Drago]

Years of life left in that. Keep a marker pen handy so when the tube peeps through you can draw some tread on it.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I change when:

I can see any first hint of webbing / carcass starting to show through the black rubber, anywhere on the tyre. Or:
The tyre is severely cut up and punctures become an issue.

 

[KnackeredBike]

I

Years of life left in that. Keep a marker pen handy so when the tube peeps through you can draw some tread on it.

Is there any particular colour of marker pen needed? I have a green whiteboard one which I think will look quite natty.

 

[tallliman]

I generally replace them when I see any large nicks which mean I can see the webbing or when I get 2 punctures in quick succession.

Generally, I'd rather replace the tyre than deal with too many punctures.