Are new tyres just badly made?

[Stodgy]

I've just bought a set of DX wheels from the early 90s with some equally vintage IRC MythosXC tyres. The tyres look used, and vintage (i.e.. good), but there is absolutely no cracking on them whatsoever, and they are more than equate. I've also got some NOS Ritcheys that are as good as, well, new.

I've got a few sets of tyres, including Schwalbe Smart Sams that are less than a year old, and they're already cracking.

What's going on? Is it because they're stored in a cold garage or are they just crap? I seem to remember having tyres last for years, but it seems you have to replace them yearly now.

Anyone else have this experience?

Cheers,
Sam

 

[sho220]

I haven't noticed new tires degrading any faster than older tires. Seems like it would come down to a few factors like how they're stored, conditions they're used in, and the rubber compound used. Softer tires wear faster, harder tires wear longer but crack sooner? Stuff like that. I would think technological advances over the years would have improve performance across the board. Then again, maybe it's just a way of getting us to buy new tires more often.

 

[john88]

you might think it's schwalbe's very soft compound

 

[Stodgy]

It could just be me then. Although I had a pair of Continental GP4000s on a road bike that started cracking and delaminating after a year. Could be something strange about my shed.

It would be good to find a decent new tyre that lasts a while!

 

[sho220]

It could just be me then. Although I had a pair of Continental GP4000s on a road bike that started cracking and delaminating after a year. Could be something strange about my shed.

It would be good to find a decent new tyre that lasts a while!

They're supposed to be stored in cool temps...maybe your shed is just too cold...

 

[Stodgy]

Just thinking about other bikes in there - my daughter's Specialized bike with dirt cheap tyres, has been sat around for about 6 years. Those tyres look as good as new. Very odd.

 

[REKIBorter]

Re:

Cracking is normally a sign of exposure to direct sunlight or heat. It drys out the rubber.

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

I'll agree, I've had a few sets of tyres stored in the dark garage over the last year. Only the one year old continentals are cracking?! not serious, but enough to make me think twice...

 

[dbmtb]

Re:

GP4000s have had a few probs recently with cracking.

Try a warranty claim - it won't be the first they've had.