Bicycle tire advice?

[AccessBlaster]

now is that one of those tools that came with my bike 10 years ago that i dropped in the bottom of my tool box and threw away while cleaning the box years later, wondering what it was?

Probably, kinda looks like a sharpie with one end cut out.

 

[Isaac]

It probably went the way of the 75 tiny allen wrenches that I hoarded from every Ikea type purchase for 20 years.

 

[kevlray]

With mountain bike tires, I can pretty easily use brute force. But for smaller wheels or road bike tires (12 inch kids wheels, 700 cc or 27 inch wheels), then sometimes I need a tool.

 

[John07]

Do you know how long bicycle tires last? An average bicycle tire can travel between 1,000 and 3,000 miles. If you have dedicated bicycle tires, you can enjoy a slightly longer distance. Racing tires have the shortest lifespan, they can only go a little over 1,000 miles. Premium tires will go over 2,500 miles. In addition, touring tires can last up to 4,000 miles, but they are not as durable as trail tires that can go from 3,000 miles to 8,000 miles on endless off-road adventures.

 

[kevlray]

I figure it is more dependent on road conditions and how a person rides. Interesting though, my daughter has just returned from San Diego with her bicycle she bought about four years ago. Not sure how may miles are on the tires. But they are suffering from severe cracking in the side walls. I am sure she did not even put a 1000 miles on the tires.

 

[Isaac]

I figure it is more dependent on road conditions and how a person rides. Interesting though, my daughter has just returned from San Diego with her bicycle she bought about four years ago. Not sure how may miles are on the tires. But they are suffering from severe cracking in the side walls. I am sure she did not even put a 1000 miles on the tires.

When i lived in SD , any cars parked within .5 mi of ocean got paint problems.

No idea if might be problem for tires

 

[strive4peace]

@kevlray, I'm surprised my tires lasted 30 years! I've put thousands and thousands of miles on them ... it's about time! I have new tires and tubes now, just need to change them, as well as get a spoke wrench (so I don't strip the soft metal nipples with a baby crescent) -- been a long time since it had a proper tune-up

Last year, I left my bike in the shed over winter instead of hanging it in the house ... its back in the house now though! ... hanging from the ceiling

@Isaac, @NauticalGent , I also use 2 flathead screwdrivers to change! Let most of the air out of the tube first ...

 

[kevlray]

I know that the heat and the ozone of the California central valley I live in now is harsh on rubber and plastics. Of course if a bicycle is stored inside, it will help it a lot. My daughter's bicycle is also suffering from rust on the frame and chrome areas (left outside all those years).

 

[strive4peace]

@kevlray, here's a good video on overhauling a bike ... he tells how to remove rust

Fixing/Overhauling The $15 Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

 

[kevlray]

In the past I would use steel wool to get rid of rust on the chrome parts. But the product they show I think would do a better job.

 

[AccessBlaster]

Not sure why he didn't put the chain in Evapo-Rust then soak it in oil.

 

[kevlray]

Probably would have lost too much material, thus making the chain too loose (too much sideways movement). I actually failed to change a chain soon enough and when I shifted, it got stuck between the frame and the gears (making for a sudden stop).

 

[Isaac]

as for lasting 30 years, i ponder sometimes the goods we buy now and how long they last (and are expected to last) compared to years ago.
my dad used to have workboot-shoe type of hybrid things that had lasted half his adult life (when he was ~ 65).
now i buy sketchers and after six mo i start looking for new ones.

granted, sketchers isn't work boots - but nor do I do the rough foot work that my dad did.

it seems nothing is made to last any more. we complain about landfills but it's not only a matter of needing to recycle, it's that we throw everything away so frequently life almost seems a bit silly sometimes with respect to that matter

 

[strive4peace]

indeed sad, @Isaac that we live in such a disposable society. They sure don't make things like they used to!

 

[Dreamweaver]

I don't know is US Sizes are different to UK Sizes but that looks like a standard size I.E 26in Wheel and 2in which in a narrow inner tube You should be able to go to any bike store and they will advise you

 

[strive4peace]

thanks, @Dreamweaver ! Thanks to the good advice on this thread, I got new tires (and tubes) -- replaced my back tire (worst one) yesterday and went on a ride ... and got back home without a flat! I wonder how many years this one will last ...

there aren't any bike stores in the little town where I live -- so order what I need ~

 

[kevlray]

At least you can ride again. I finally got my daughter's bike put back together (tire, chain, brakes). Getting the brakes adjusted correctly is always a challenge for me.

 

[strive4peace]

@kevlray, yes! it's wonderful. I had gotten to a point where I didn't even want to ride it because I was getting a flat if I went too far.

Great your making progress with your daughter's bike! In the overhaul video a few posts back, he shows how to adjust the spokes with a spoke wrench so the wheels spin true --perhaps that could help with the brake adjustment?

 

[kevlray]

No, her wheels are very straight. I have adjusted my wheels from time to time with spoke wrench. Some years back I had a road bike and I kept hitting potholes which in turn were breaking spokes (not doing much for my body either). Learned from the bike shop I needed to make sure my tires were at full pressure to avoid spokes breaking.

 

[kevlray]

She has what are called V-style brakes. I think part of the problem is that the hinges where not moving freely enough, so I lubricated them. Hopefully they will work better.