WHEN ARE BUNS DEAD?

[OB_crazy bill]

guess i got f***ed by cycleworx in indy huh! sounds like you guys all have a much better line on rubber than i do anyways.180.00 for a mez3 race compound is cheaper than in any of the mags though . i sure would like to know where this was bought at . for 180.00 ill buy a spare to have on hand. at 12psi theres no slipping it after a big smokey heatin session.

 

[OB_highpwr]

Hey DP, I had used my OEM rear tire beyond the wear bars but with no cord showing. The used tire was sitting in my basement (I change my own tires) and I was curious as to what I had been riding on just before I swapped it for a new one. Putting an opposing finger on each side of the center tread area gave me the impression that there was not much material remaining. I pulled out a sharp pocket knife and cut out a 2 inch by 2 inch section from the center of the tire. The section measured .250 inches in total thickness. There was about .100 inches left of rubber over the cord. The cords made up the next .100 inch and there was another .050 inches of rubber on the inside layer.

So the guys riding around on the cords have less than .150 inches (3.8mm) to go before they hit the "air layer". I would think twice before pushing your luck with worn tires. I don't think I'll let mine go as far as they did on the first tire change.

 

[OB_Dirty Pete]

There seems to be no consensus here on whether to keep riding below the wear bars.

I find HIGHPWR's slice 'n dice info pretty persuasive.

I want more than 1/4 inch of tire material at 185 mph, so I'll stay conservative on tires.

Good thread.

 

[OB_JohnnyB]

Vegas Dude.
Race tires are made to last exactly one race.
They are made to be as light as possible to minimize rotating mass. If you finish the race with lots of rubber left, you started with too much! (or you were driving like a sissy)