Phil (ascentale)

@DeltaWye asks:

Q7. Is there a rule of thumb for #bicycles that don’t get used often where the tires should be changed out after so many years?

(What else should be changed periodically, based on time, regardless of usage?)

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

11:48pmWeb
Show threadAI6YR Ben7h ago
@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite #BikeNite A7. I go by the "10 year rule" which is the rule for car tires, even if not driven. Or earlier if you see any sign of aging or it was stored outside in UV light. I made the grave, grave mistake (fortunately without a crash) of driving around on my road bike's 40+ year old tires, where it practically crumbled into bits and where the tube was so soft it would not detach from where it had melted into the tire itself. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. 😬
Show threadAI6YR Ben7h ago
@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite Ooh, forgot part 2 of the answer to #BikeNite A7, which is also to change out the brake pads. I had a few brake pads which looked perfectly fine but hard as rocks, day and night difference in stopping power. So definitely, tubes, tires, brakes, and probably the tire liner inside.
Show threadrawe6h ago

@ai6yr @ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite +1 on brake pads.

In general, its a good idea to inspect a bike that was not used for like a year for signs of corrosion. Once had the disc brake pad material separate from the metal part as rust was slowly creeping in.

Show threadMarty Cormack7h ago
@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite
#BikeNite A7:
The answer depends a lot on how the bike is stored. A bike properly hung up in temperature and humidity controlled storage facility differs significantly from one sitting on the ground exposed to the elements. The former may not even need new tires or a chain, while the latter most certainly will.
Show threadAmgine6h ago

@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite

A7. An annual maintenance will clean/replace a lot of things which can go bad in storage. But inspect everything soft/flexible: tires, inner tubes. seats, cables, frame & handlebar tape. If it's dying, replace. (Gel material which has frozen can be a hidden disaster.) Also check reflectors.

Good chance to see the inner parts of your bike! Clean and shine after; you'll feel better.

#BikeNite

Show threadRyan6h ago

@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite A7 my rule of thumb is replace when worn / broken.

Although for my e-bike that's been less than two years for both tires... so I guess it depends on how much wear and tear your bike gets.

#bikeTooter

Show threadEdward Hasbrouck4h ago
@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite - #A7: I've found brake pads on bikes that hadn't been used for years that had hardened and provided almost no stopping power. (Materials science has made a huge improvement in brake pads anyway over the decades.)
Show threadedd1h ago

@ascentale @DeltaWye @bikenite A7. Probably easiest is to see if the rubber is still soft and not cracked. Once the cracking starts, it's pretty much the end of the tire.

#BikeNite