Tire Replacement

[burly]

I've got about 3.5 mm (.14 in) of tread left on my front tire. I'm going to the rally in Custer in June, which will be 1100 KM (728 miles).

The manual says replace at 1.5 MM (.06 in) - should I replace this tire before leaving, or is there lots left? It's the stock Bridgestone Excedra.

[strobe]

I would replace it before going. On my last Bridgestone the last bit of tread seemed to disappear very quickly.

Don't forget you have to come back as well, so your distance on the tread that is left is double.

Better to be safe than push that tire past the limits, just my opinion though.

[phenrichs]

I would say age and your confidence in the tire is the biggest reason to replace a front. I know most of us replace fronts based on age rather than wear or mileage. If you are questioning the tire, replace it. If you are not confident in its ability to grip in wet weather, replace it. June is still rain season in the midwest and sudden showers or t-storms are a guarantee at least once during that time. We may not get a deluge but we will almost certainly get wet. Mainly in the afternoon\evening.

Again I believe that if you have doubts in your equipment you should address that. You should be absolutely confident in the ability of your gear whenever you leave home for any length of time.

Just my $.02.

[burly]

Great advice - it's getting replaced.

Thanks!

[VulcanE]

My 2 cents worth, the tire is now 10 years old , I won't run a tire that is over 5 years old. Remember, that's your life your riding on. ;)

[dogdoc]

That surely isnt a 10 year old bike with the original tire now BD. I guess it is according to the owner. Wow another high mileage rider.

[burly]

That would be the fellow I bought the bike from that was the "high mileage rider". It only had 8700 miles on it when I bought it last summer. I've put 4,000 miles on it since...