tire age

[VALARIE]

Looking at tire prices, 97 valk tour, probably Avons, rear, best price so far from Dennis Kirk??? do you agree?? also how do MAKE SURE i get a fresh"" manufactured tire from their stock??, call and make special request??

[The emperor has no clothes]

It's been my experience that all the major retailers have sent me fresh tires. I think you'll be fine with Dennis Kirk. 

[VALARIE]

Thanks, have you tried Shinko brand??

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks, have you tried Shinko brand??

Well....yeah. I did once. Many like them and have had no troubles. I had one and it produced a vibration that I couldn't get rid of. Probably just a fluke, but I doubt I'll ever try another one. Tires are a funny thing on here. No 2 people seem to agree on them. I've tried numerous varieties with good success. I'm pretty well stuck on a 195 car tire on back and a rear Michelin Activ up front. But, I'm not typical in any way.

[WintrSol]

Thanks, have you tried Shinko brand??

Well....yeah. I did once. Many like them and have had no troubles. I had one and it produced a vibration that I couldn't get rid of. Probably just a fluke, but I doubt I'll ever try another one. Tires are a funny thing on here. No 2 people seem to agree on them. I've tried numerous varieties with good success. I'm pretty well stuck on a 195 car tire on back and a rear Michelin Activ up front. But, I'm not typical in any way.

When I bought my Tourer, it had a Michelin car tire on the back, and a Shinko on the front. I couldn't stand the car tire, so had it replaced with a Metz tire, which uncovered the vibration problems in the Shinko. Replaced it with a Dunlop, and all's good now.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks, have you tried Shinko brand??

Well....yeah. I did once. Many like them and have had no troubles. I had one and it produced a vibration that I couldn't get rid of. Probably just a fluke, but I doubt I'll ever try another one. Tires are a funny thing on here. No 2 people seem to agree on them. I've tried numerous varieties with good success. I'm pretty well stuck on a 195 car tire on back and a rear Michelin Activ up front. But, I'm not typical in any way.

When I bought my Tourer, it had a Michelin car tire on the back, and a Shinko on the front. I couldn't stand the car tire, so had it replaced with a Metz tire, which uncovered the vibration problems in the Shinko. Replaced it with a Dunlop, and all's good now.

If you are ever interested in trying a car tire again, there are many better choices.  I only had one Metzler front. It was ok, I didn't like the way it tracked in cracks in the road and rain grooves. The Metzler rear was fine.

[old2soon]

On my 2nd Shinko 777 140-80-17 in white wall. Have a bit over 2 ozs of BBs as balance media. IF I need anudder front it WOULD be another Shinko 777 in W/W 140-80-17. Would NOT pee in da rain fer a dunflop. On an Austone Taxi tire on the rear. Like it a LOT!   RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I should be more specific. I've only tried the Shinko Journeys.

[mello dude]

Also check Riders Domain, formerly Jake Wilson. - I usually check Dennis Kirk and RD to see who has what I want and best prices plus shipping...

https://www.ridersdomain.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg_Xwp5D92wIVVp7ACh3R5AD6EAAYASAAEgIrUfD_BwE

[Jess from VA]

Once you have the make, model, size for any tire you want, go to Amazon and see if they have it and the price (nearly always free shipping).  Then see if you can beat it.  Usually not, but occasionally you can. 

[desertrefugee]

Sorry to bring this up and I hope not to be crucified for asking - but this IS a tire discussion and much has been said over the years about the dangers of old rubber.  But, are there exceptions?

I think we've all heard horror stories about "old" tires. And, for sure, it's probably prudent to err on the side of caution with regard to aging rubber. But does that mean always? Here in Arizona, I've seen tires as "new" as four years old with significant drying and sidewall cracking in evidence. But, those are tires that have typically seen pretty much constant exposure to the intense sun and UV radiation we have here. By the same token, I've also seen fifteen year old tires that have spent essentially their entire lives in a garage with smooth sidewalls and soft tread.

It has also been said that as the rubber does harden, it loses its ability to conform to surface irrgularities and grip is reduced. But, we can choose new tires with countless rubber compounds with characteristics running the gamut from soft to hard - depending on riding style and application. Couldn't a new tire with a "hard" rubber compound then be similar to an older tire whose rubber has lost some of its suppleness?

So, if there's no sign of rubber deterioration (drying/cracking) and/or significant hardening, what exactly is the catastrophe about to befall the hapless rider should he decide to operate on those tires?

[Icelander]

I've got a 10yo Triple Tread that looks great but the rubber is hard and slick. I just need to get rid of it. I would never trust to put that tire on any bike.

[gordonv]

But, are there exceptions?

I think we've all heard horror stories about "old" tires. And, for sure, it's probably prudent to err on the side of caution with regard to aging rubber. But does that mean always? Here in Arizona, I've seen tires as "new" as four years old with significant drying and sidewall cracking in evidence. But, those are tires that have typically seen pretty much constant exposure to the intense sun and UV radiation we have here. By the same token, I've also seen fifteen year old tires that have spent essentially their entire lives in a garage with smooth sidewalls and soft tread.

It has also been said that as the rubber does harden, it loses its ability to conform to surface irrgularities and grip is reduced. But, we can choose new tires with countless rubber compounds with characteristics running the gamut from soft to hard - depending on riding style and application. Couldn't a new tire with a "hard" rubber compound then be similar to an older tire whose rubber has lost some of its suppleness?

So, if there's no sign of rubber deterioration (drying/cracking) and/or significant hardening, what exactly is the catastrophe about to befall the hapless rider should he decide to operate on those tires?

You've pretty much said all there is to say. The tire needs inspecting, to insure it's fitness, at any age.