Forum

[Reg]

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.

[AA maniac]

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).

[Boxerman]

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

[Jojje]

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..?

[Reg]

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.

[Jojje]

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