Bike Tire Check
May is National Bike Month, so before you head out for your first spring rides, take a few minutes to check one of the most important parts of your bike: the tires.
Even when a bike is sitting unused, sunlight, ozone, and age can dry out the rubber and lead to cracks or dry rot. Some damage may not be obvious until the tire is inflated and carrying weight, so it’s worth checking your tires before heading out.
Check for worn down tread – As tread wears down, tires lose traction, especially on wet roads. On mountain or general-purpose tires, missing or flattened tread is usually easy to spot. Road bike tires can be trickier because the grooves are shallow, so look closely at the surface. If the pattern is barely visible or the tire looks overly smooth, it may be time to replace it.
Check for holes, punctures, or cuts – Inspect the tread and sidewalls for cuts, holes, or damage. Road and trail debris can weaken the tire casing. Damage near where the tire seals to the rim is especially risky and usually means the tire should be replaced.
Check tire pressure – Under-inflated tires can wear out faster and make riding harder. Use a tire gauge and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sidewall.
Check for tire age – Tires can become unsafe even if they do not look worn. Rubber breaks down over time and may develop dry rot, which usually shows up as small cracks along the sidewalls. If you notice cracking, bulging, or exposed bead material, replace the tire.
Check for a visible ridge or uneven wear – A flat ridge down the center of the tire or uneven wear can affect your ride. Rear tires often wear down faster because they carry more weight and friction, so check both tires carefully.
Photo by Lance Cheung.