Rear Tire Question

[bradman]

I bought this bike and the tire looked like this. I'm wondering if it is still safe to ride. I do notice that when I lean, the back end of the bike is unsteady and almost "bounces".

I'm going to buy another tire in the next week or so, but am I okay to do local riding with this one? How do I prevent my new tire from doing this?

Thanks for any help and I'm sorry it this has been addressed. I searched and found everything but this.

 

[Solo]

I think this tire is still safe to ride. At least I'd ride on it (given what I can see and after checking the pressure--should be about 42 psi), although I'd think twice about riding much in very wet conditions. Buying a new tire soon is probably a good idea, as this does show signs that it is short on life.

Best way to avoid this in the future is to keep the tire at proper pressure and don't ride a lot of interstate miles. This tire has lots of miles on the center tread, which caused the center of the tire to wear before the sides.

As for your "bouncing" when you lean--I'm not sure that is tire-related. I don't see anything on the outer edges of the tire that would cause this. I'd check your shock settings to make sure they are right for your weight, check the wheel to make sure it hasn't been damaged, and make sure the tire isn't damaged or cupped on the edges and that pressure is correct. I don't see any tire damage or cupping in the photos, though.

Throw on the new tire when you get it and maybe it will cure the unsteadiness you feel when leaning. If you live near another forum member, maybe you can get him or her to look at your tire and wheel and take it for a test ride to evaluate the feel.

 

[maddad]

I don't know about bounce, but I know towards the end of a tire, such as yours, where the center is flat and the profile very different than new, when you first lean over, the bike goes from the flat to the very angled. It will feel like the bike almost lifts and then slides out to the side. Ever so slight, and not actually sliding, but the profile just gives it that feel.

When you get new tires, it will corner completely different.

 

[dcarver]

I'd run it. Just be cautious - new bike, worn tires.

 

[bradman]

Thanks guys.