How Long Should Road Bike Tires Last?

Riding conditions are a determining factor of tire life.

Thousands of Miles

If you ride in dry conditions on well paved rural roads, bike tires can last a very long time. Front tires can last over twice as long as rear tires, because they have less weight on them. Keeping them well inflated and clean will increase their life span.

A Single Ride

Riding in urban areas, with pothole filled streets and lots of street debris can be very hard on your tires. It only takes one good slash to put a tire out of service. Riding in rain or on wet streets increases the amount of glass and stones that your tires pick up, vastly shortening their life span.

Bottom Line

A tire normally lasts between 1,000 and 2,000 miles. Riding conditions and the tire materials are the two main variables in how long a tire will last. If a tire is ripped or punctured all the way through, it's time to replace it.

References

• Sheldon Brown: Bicycle Tires and Tubes