Some tips for knowing when to change a bicycle tire. Usually, based on tire wear and tire age, determine the time to change tires. If you regularly use your bike, the tires will be in contact with rough surfaces, which can cause the tires to peel. Bicycle spikes have a very important purpose. It provides a better bite on loose surfaces like mud, sand, and rocks. You will notice worn sidewalls if there is uneven tread wear and bald areas on the right or left side of the bicycle tire. Chipped rubber, dull, dry, and brittle tires also indicate damaged sidewalls or cracked bicycle tires.