Cracks on side of tyres - is it critical?

[GrahamG]

I've got a pair of Vittoria Randonneurs (28mm) which were sitting in the garage for a year before installing. After finishing a ride on Saturday I noticed that the rubber on the sides (below the tread but still a good 5-10mm above the rim) is cracked all the way around - looks like someone rode them flat for a few miles or something!

My first thought was to change them ASAP but they've hardly been used and though that maybe I was just being a little paranoid. What do you think?

 

[e-rider]

this is really common and usually doesn't cause any trouble - just make sure they are not deep and going through to the inside!

 

[tyred]

If it's only light surface "crazing" then it's nothing to worry about. If it goes deep into the tyre, I'd be concerned.

 

[Tynan]

picture?

if the rubber is compromised for some reason you might not want to doing anything strenuous with them

 

[andrew_s]

It's the fabric under the rubber surface that has to be in good condition. The rubber itself has no real strength, and is just there to stop stuff wearing away at the fabric.

I'd just carry on using them.

 

[spandex]

Why this happens is because the rubber is old. But some (see above) say it is ok some do not. I would say if you leave them on and you are riding down the road and hit a pot hole will it go bang or will it not! There is no way of knowing so saying that I would say to you change them before you are running late for work... and they do go bang.


At the end of the day it is up to you if you think they are ok or not.

 

[GrahamG]

Well I think I'll play safe and change them as they're on the audax bike and don't exactly roll that well anyway!

So what tyres should I get that are puncture resistant and roll well/grip well in all weathers? Oooh, perhaps I should start another thread

Thanks for all the input folks.