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?

 

[Chris S]

I bought a secondhand bike with Woods valve inner tubes. They haven't been made for 20 years so they must be at least that old. They still hold air OK. I wouldn't bother replacing yours unless they are obviously leaking.

You also get people selling 'new old stock' tyres on the internet that are far more than 8 years old. If yours are in reasonable condition than I wouldn't bother replacing them either.

 

[tyred]

Just pump them and examine carefully. Light crazing on the sidewalls can be considered normal, large splits or cracks are not normal.

Oh, and Woods valve inner tubes are still available in the traditional sizes as they are still used in India and elsewhere. They add an authentic touch to a restoration project.

If a bike hasn't been used in 8 years, I would pull it apart and re-grease all the bearings.

 

[Muddy Ground]

Frightening place to be! If the bike has been stored out of sunlight and moisture, then they may be OK if you are lucky. But UV degrades the rubber over time. For me moisture is the killer as many tyres use steel beads. I was running a set of ten year old tyres on my bike until one day I noticed the rubber pulling away from the rim. Took the tyre off, and the bead fell out. The rubber itself was fine.

For the price of a set of tyres, its' not worth the risk - swop them out for new. Well, that is if you plan on riding the bike? If it is just for looking at....

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