How long do road tyres last?

[Kermit power]

Just an idle question really, as I generally seem to end up replacing tyres on a whim before they're starting to look worn out, but if you were to run road bike tyres in the same way as car tyres, what sort of mileage would you expect to get out of a set?

[anonymous-user]

I just changed my conti ultra sports for some GP 4000s because I thought it might make me faster.

The ultra sports had been on my bike for almost two years and still looked to be in good condition. Some pananracer fire xc on my hard tail mountain bike look worn after a year of regular use.

[AyBee]

Tend to replace the pair when the rear starts to have a flat patch on it Not sure what the mileage is though - probably 2500 miles (although the current Specialized Mondo Sports are quite soft and cut up now, will be ordering some Krylion Carbons shortly

[itsnotarace]

Kermit power said:

but if you were to run road bike tyres in the same way as car tyres, what sort of mileage would you expect to get out of a set?

Just like car tyres there are too many variables to give a meaningful answer, as it will also depend on rider style. A heavy, thick carcass hard commuting tyre with low grip will last far longer than a lightweight, high grip, soft racing tyre so there is always a tradeoff. You pays your money and you make your choice.

Front tyres will always last longer than rears on a road bike due them taking less weight and cornering forces. If you started with two brand new tyres front and rear you could reasonably expect double the mileage for the front tyre compared to the rear. I don't really see the point of swapping tyres front to rear on bikes, you just need to budget for two new rear tyres for every front.

IIRC a popular tyre like the GP4000s will last around 3000 miles rear and 6000 front with average use.

FWIW skidding will flat spot a new road tyre very quickly and you should skidding tubular tyres at all cost

[robpearson]

I'd also go with 2-3000 miles on a tyre, although my pro3s are being changed earlier than that because they have too many holes in them courtesy glass on the roads in Birmingham.

[Accelebrate]

I wore a Specialized All Condition thin in ~1500 miles, current set of Gatorskins are showing little signs of wear after 3500 miles. They are quite hard though.