Race tires longevity

Equipment
1

How do folks decide when to replace race tires that are otherwise functioning?

I am running a set of Conti GP5000 S TR front and rear tires.

The tires live on my race wheels and I am only using them for racing (few days before race, etc.)

I am on season 4 using them and would estimate they have about 1500-2000 or so miles on them.

The wear indicators on the tires look fine and I hate the idea of switching out something that is working perfectly fine, but I sort of feel like I am due for a replacement. Thoughts?

2

Do you have a set of training wheels you could put them on? Have they had any punctures?

4 seasons is pretty long in the tooth in my opinion for race tires. I’d have a hard time going over 2 max.

4

I replace every year regardless of wear, the rubber dries out, loses grip etc. over time.

4 Likes
5

Following…

I’ve got some GP5ks as well that have been on my race wheels for a couple years.

6

I don’t do a race/training wheel split so I don’t do this but I’d probably every 2 years (at most, more likely every year) take my race tires and put them on my training wheels and then buy new race tires.

Like others said, they start to lose grip and suppleness over time as the rubber ages.

7

Thanks all; I think I am going to go for the new tires!

8

With the ridiculous price of the GP5000s mine wont be replaced until they are fully worn through :rofl:

9

Check Ebay - I just bought 3 of them for $50 each + $10 shipping. You can save at least 50%!