old tyres and tubes

[jnb]

If a bike sits unused for a time are the tyres and tubes likely to need replacing? i.e. does the rubber perish over that time?

Situation is now that I'm back on two wheels Mrs JB has been looking at her bike again. Her bike hasn't been used in about eight years, mechanically it looks OK but are there any parts that should be replaced on a just in case basis. Tyres and tubes spring to mind but is there anything else? do they even need replacing?

 

[david1701]

car tyres UV degrade so it might be a different question if it was left outside or inside

 

[ramses]

If it's been in a shed or garage and subjected to years of cold winters and hot summers, I would just buy a new set of tubes and tyres, you don't need to spend a massive amount of money. Shop on line and you'll get a box of 5 inner tubes for about a tenner, so plenty of spares.

I would check the condition of the chain to see if it has rusted up. Might need a new one, and after all that time I would look to strip the bike down a bit and re-grease and oil as it's probably a little dried out.

That's what I would do anyway.

 

[gbb]

What size tyres jnb ?
Ive rebuilt several old racers and town bikes...the tyres ? take a look, can you see any deep splitting or perishing ? There's no logic or definitive answer.
Ive had spome that looked perished, but i thought'd be ok...and they blew completely.
Ive got some on the wifes commuter that are probably 10 years old, just rebuilt the bike and they run fine.(but they've not split or perished noticeably)

If the've been sat in the garage flat for a long time, i always reckon that makes things even worse.
Meh, pump em up, have a look, if they 'look' ok, give em a ride and dont go too far until you feel comfortable about their condition.

Chain...again, what speed ? You'd be amazed what you can get away with. I recovered an old Dawes 3 speed ladies bike for my SIL. The chain was actually siezed solid and red with rust. Liberal coatings of WD, working the chain loose bit by bit, cleaned, dried, oiled....it ran fine.
Mind, i wouldnt even consider it for 9 and 10 speed chains, but 5, 6 and 7 speed...they're quite strong and can take some abuse.

Alternatively ?...buy new and feel 100% comfortable.