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08-08-2007, 08:26 PM | #1 |
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Tire thread depth
hey guys can anybody give me the truth on when to repalce your tires. The manual says replace at so many millimeters of depth. if you buy a tire tread depth gauge WHERE do you take your readings: 1. center groove,, 2. sidewall area,, 3. between sidewall and center groove. Of course you will always have more rubber in the area nearest the sidewall and least in the center? i know its like replace at 2-3mm but where to do the testing is my question. In the good ole days we would take a penny and if you could see the top of ole abes head it was time/ Thanks
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08-08-2007, 10:56 PM | #2 |
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Tire thread depth
The penny still works!
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08-08-2007, 11:50 PM | #3 |
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Tire thread depth
Aren't you the BIG TIPPER!!!!
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08-09-2007, 12:15 AM | #4 |
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Tire thread depth
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08-09-2007, 08:31 AM | #5 | |
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Tire thread depth
Doc, as I understand it, you check them at the center groove since that's the part that contacts the road most. As for groundhog, get outta his way!!!
Quote:
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08-09-2007, 11:27 AM | #6 |
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Tire thread depth
Correct me if I'm wrong...but I've always operated on the assumption that tire manufacturers built their tires with a little "pad" of rubber even if the tread is worn slick. So, with that said, in trying to get all the use out of a tire that I can, I've kind of done what Groundhog does.
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08-09-2007, 11:29 AM | #7 |
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Tire thread depth
I had a fellow rider tell me the other day that Bridgestone and Metzeler are coming out with a tire that features softer rubber on the sides and harder rubber in the middle. In the past, technology has not allowed them to blend the two, but they have supposedly figured out a way.
If indeed it is true, than back tires will last alot longer.
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip |
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08-09-2007, 01:36 PM | #8 |
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Tire thread depth
Good to know Trip, Thx.
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08-09-2007, 02:03 PM | #9 |
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Tire thread depth
I feel like a full facer getting on a soap box but I wouldn't run the tread too low. Bald is great on dry, clean pavement but any rain or road sand and there is nowhere for the debri to go and your tires loose contact with the road.
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08-09-2007, 04:40 PM | #10 | |
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Tire thread depth
Quote:
However I guess I'd be in that group also. You mention the safety points we should think about when considering our tire wear. Unless we're only going to ride when chrome will sparkle in the sunshine, we're going to get wet. When it gets sloppy racing slicks only get slicker. Even race car drivers change out the tires in the rain for more tread. I measure on the centerline, with the penny and change out when I can see the top of old Abe's head. The few extra dollars I'll spend on tires throughout the life of a bike is allot less than the parts I'd have to replace should I go down because I was stretching my tire dollar. My humble .02 Regards and God Bless Stewart,
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08-09-2007, 05:11 PM | #11 |
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Tire thread depth
I tend to use the "Groundhog Method"
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08-09-2007, 06:36 PM | #12 |
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Tire thread depth
Groundhog Method?
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08-09-2007, 07:14 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
Yep, the Groundhog method...
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08-09-2007, 07:35 PM | #14 |
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Tire thread depth
I haven't worn mine down far enough for replacement. The dealer I got the bike from in May of 2006 put a new rear tire on it when I bought it. I don't imagine I'll be using the groundhog method though.
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08-09-2007, 09:25 PM | #15 |
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Tire thread depth
GH, thx for the visual proof you are the hog man. that tire is SLICK!!!!
Doc |
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