Bicycle tyres?

Question

I have just split my third rear bicycle tyre in about one year. I just do not understand why they are splitting so easily! I'm considering buying another one, and perhaps replacing the rear wheel. I've seen a whole new bike for the prices that I can find for the cheapest tyre and wheel. Does anyone else find that the component parts do not add up to the whole when purchased separately?

Answer 1

The parts of a bike always add up to more than a whole bike... but that's why there is maintenance, to keep the repairs to a minimal. Are you maintaining the correct tire pressure and trying to avoid as much rough roads as possible? Some times it's just maintenance and making sure your bike is in top operating condition.

Answer 2

Yeah its common in bikes, and cars, and lots of other things, that the parts cost more than the whole. Think of it as a kind of bulk discount.

As for your tyres, how are you splitting them?? Scraping on rocks? Squashing the tyre on a kerb/root/rock by ramming the object too hard? It would do you well to seek out some double or triple ply sidewalls. They have, as the name suggests, 2 or 3 layers of rubber in the sidewall, rather than just one, and so have better protection about both kinds of damage I mentioned above. They also allow for lower pressures, and as such are often marketed as DH or downhill tyres.

I don't think getting a new wheel will solve the problem, its likely either your choice of tyre or your style of riding thats doing the damage. And if you are looking at bikes for the same price as a new wheel, you need to look higher up the bike food chain if you want anything decent.

You haven't said what tyres you use, but you could look into Maxxis Highroller DH tyres, which are nice and sturdy, and set you back about £20 each, or you'll find online deals for 2 for £30. I used to use them, and they are great tyres. Heavy, but then they have to be if they have a thicker sidewall.

Whoever said folding kevlar tyres are stronger - I never heard that before. A folding tyre's only advantage is... it folds. And they're lighter due to the nature of a folding bead. Your bead could be made of diamond and it would not have any effect on the strength of the tyre.

Answer 3

Some people may say I'm being a little harsh here, but maybe if you stopped being such a cheap-skate it would help? Buying the cheapest components you can find is a false economy. They with fail and/or fall to bits in no time. A new bike for the price of a tyre and wheel is going to be of abysmal quality. So too is the cheapest tyre and the cheapest wheel. Continental make the 'Contact' range of tyres which are guaranteed against punctures for 12 months. And they even come with a free inner tube! (I can't quite follow the logic behind that one). Specialized make their 'flak jacket' and 'Armadillo' tyres with some serious armour underneath the rubber. Spending a little bit more on a product that works in the first place will save you from continually wasting money on tat.

Answer 4

Tire is splitting? Not the innertube? That doesn't sound right. I put cheap tires on my everyday bike and I've never had that problem. Believe me, I'm tough on my bike, to the tune of 5-6k miles/year, including a lot of singletrack.

If its the innertube, there are a number of possible issues.

1. Cheap tubes. I bought a couple at Target, and they burst right down the seam

2. Underinflation can cause they to split when you hit a curb

3. Bad rim tape (inside the wheel rim), letting the spokes poke into the tube.

Answer 5

Alright... don't necessarily pay attention to brand - they all make good tires and bad tires (just like car companies, shoe companies, etc)

If I am correct, and the tire is actually splitting, you probably want to spend a little more on the tires. I strongly recommend a folding tire with a kevlar bead - they will be stronger and lighter.

I'm assuming you don't leave your bike on the balcony over the winter or anything silly like that, as the rubber will not be in great shape after that kind of abuse.

If you're just getting flats, luck of the draw - i've had 2 my whole life, I've had a friend replace 2 downhill tubes in less than 20 minutes. If it is just flats, you can get kevlar strips to put in the tire, or get puncture resistant tubes.

Check the rim tape/strip to make sure all the spoke nipples are covered too.

Good luck

Answer 6

About the component price, yep, building a bike from frame up will be a lot more expensive than buying a complete bike.

But, probably the wheels you're looking at will be a lot better than the stock ones.

Answer 7

If your mountain biking, I would go with Kenda's. They are not cheap but mine has held up well this past season of riding here in the rocky Virginia mountains.

Answer 8

I agree with the others for mountain biki9ng Kendas are awsome very thick and awsome traction just that they are quite Pricey

Answer 9

go to a bike shop ask for beefed up wheels for mountain biking they will show u and ull be set.