Hitchcocks Forum

I gave the bullet a well overdue clean today, and whilst polishing the rear wheel rim was surprised to notice cracks in the tyre sidewall. The tyre in question is a Mitas which was fitted two or three years ago and has done only very light mileage, with hardly any wear on the actual tread. I suppose it serves me right for being such a tight so-and-so. In contrast the Metzeler fitted on the front is still in perfect condition despite its being a year senior. Hope this is useful to anyone considering changing tyres on the cheap.

Check the manufacture date on the side wall of the tyre to see how old it is( may be a lot older than you think). it normally a four digit combination of week and year...( ie 1215 would be the 12th week of 2015) its normally in a little sausage shaped marking on most European made car and bike tyres ( may not be on far eastern ones).

I had a similar issue with Pirellis on the Kwack I had. Only a couple of years old and cracking.

Having used two Mitas tires on the back and one in the front of my 2005 Electra I must say I won't be using them again. Very slippery on wet, fast wearing and the rear always felt a bit wobbly. If my memory serves me right the rear had 3 ply rating. Maybe your tire is so old it's gone hard and therefore no wear..?

I contacted the company I bought the tyre from,hoping for a discount on a replacement tyre but they didn't want to know. I've since ordered a Metzeller from Tyre Guru to match the front. Fingers crossed.

You can't go wrong with Metzeler.
My current favourite is Heidenau, prized reasonably, too.