Simple Tire Question

[MS_Kid]

I know this is basic, but could use advice from folks w/ experience. My back Metzler has 7k on it and I'm not sure how to tell when I should replace. I've heard you should replace before excessive wear--that most blowouts happen with wear at 80% or so.

At the centerline of the tire, I have about 1m tread in the depressions, and easily 2m coming right off centerline.

Folks have also told me about wear indicators, but I don't see them nor know what they look like.

This is frustrating because I don't want to be unsafe, may have 'some' time left on the back tire, but the season for long trips is here now...

Any help appreciated.

 

[goodfellow]

msKid ,

how about posting a pic of the tire in question so we can render a viable opinion. just to start off,most rocks like the rear tire changed for fresh rubber at 6 or 7 k.

some,sooner than others.
greg

 

[Sidecar Flip]

As far as I know, there are no wear indicators moulded in the Metzler carcass. When it starts getting preceptibly flat in the middle, it's time. If you still have visible tread grooves you still have time left.

Gunshots proved a long time ago that the carcass is pretty thin even new. I've got well over 6 on mine and it shows no wear but then I don't ride the bike hard. I'm expecting at least 10K and possible more.

At that time, I'll most likely change out to a car tire and radius the edges.

 

[MS_Kid]

Pardon the dirty bike, but here are 2 images of the Metzler tread.

What do you guys think?

Thanks much.

 

[snuffcityrider]

I did find a wear indicater on mine but they are very subtle and almost useless. Like Flip said, if they are flat across the bottom they are pretty much gone. Looks like yours may still have some life to them.

 

[tdragger]

Looks good for another 2k miles. Your comfort level will set the time when you want to change out. Since the tread wear indicates that you are more of a cruiser than a canyon carver, consider the darkside (car tire). Lot's more mileage at considerably less cost.

 

[goodfellow]

MS-kid,
there you have it,amigo. my self,i'm running dark side. it's not to say that the stock tire isn't good.it's just that i prefer the extended wear/durability of a darkside configuration.
good job on the pics,by the way.


greg

 

[triroketman]

vanished

I would say that when you can see no more tread around the middle of the flat spot, it is time to replace the tire.
Dave

 

[MS_Kid]

Thanks to you all, very helpful. Now the 'dark' decision awaits!

MK

 

[MS_Kid]

As far as I know, there are no wear indicators moulded in the Metzler carcass. When it starts getting preceptibly flat in the middle, it's time. If you still have visible tread grooves you still have time left.

Gunshots proved a long time ago that the carcass is pretty thin even new. I've got well over 6 on mine and it shows no wear but then I don't ride the bike hard. I'm expecting at least 10K and possible more.

At that time, I'll most likely change out to a car tire and radius the edges.

Sidecar: How will you accomplish 'radius-ing the edges'? Do other darksiders do that as well?

MK