Blog
Why your tyres matter most
Your tyres are the only part of your bike that touches the road, so they deserve more than a quick glance. Check tread depth, pressure and age together, not just whether rubber is left.
A tyre can look fine but still be past its best if it is a few years old. Rubber hardens over time and grip drops, even with tread still showing. We check this on every service.
Tread Depth
Check your pressure every couple of weeks, especially before a long ride. Low pressure wears the edges of the tyre and makes the bike feel vague in corners.
Watch for cracks in the sidewall, flat spots from hard braking, or a tread depth close to 1mm. Any of these means a new tyre, even if the bike still feels fine on the road.
Wear Signs
Uneven wear tells its own story. Wear down the centre usually means too much pressure or too many highway kilometres. Wear on the edges points to low pressure or a rider who rarely leans into corners. Cupping or flat spots can mean a worn shock or a wheel that needs balancing. If you notice odd wear, it is worth having us check the suspension and wheel alignment at the same time as the tyre.
When it is time to replace, we recommend changing tyres as a pair where possible. A fresh rear on a worn front changes how the bike balances mid corner and can catch you out. Stick to a tyre suited to how you actually ride, commuting, touring, or weekend backroads, rather than the cheapest option on the shelf. Bring the bike in and we will check pressure, tread, and balance while we are at it, so you leave with tyres that match the way you ride.
71 Pilgrim Avenue
Chevy Chase,
MD 20815
