DO I NEED NEW TYRES FOR RACE DAY?
As an athlete, you want to be at your best on race day, and your equipment plays a significant role in your performance. Tyres are no exception – they are your contact points with the road, and a good set of tyres can make all the difference in controlling your speed and handling. But with so many options available, how can you know if you need to buy new tyres for race day? In this blog post, we'll explore the factors to consider and provide guidance on when to update your rubber.
The first thing to check is the wear on your tyres. Worn tyres can significantly impact your bike's handling and traction, and they're more prone to punctures. A good rule of thumb is to visually inspect your tyres regularly and replace them if the grooves have started to disappear or if there's any nicks or cuts in the rubber. It's better to err on the side of caution and replace them a little early, rather than running the risk of a blowout during a race.
If you do need to replace your tyres before a race, it's crucial to put in some miles on them before race day. As strange as it may sound, new tyres need to be "scrubbed" before they perform their best. In the manufacturing process, tyres are coated with chemicals so that the rubber doesn't stick to the mould. However, these chemicals can make the tyres slippery if the road is wet, or too sticky on dry roads. To remove these chemicals, clock up about 50-100km on various roads and surfaces – this will help to wear away these surface chemicals and ensure your tyres perform at their best come race day.
Finally, it's vital to conduct a thorough pre-race inspection of your tyres, reviewing them for any cuts, bulges or damage, and making sure that air pressure is checked and corrected if necessary. Any damage or defects could be dangerous, and it's best to know about them ahead of time rather than discovering the issues mid-race.
Your tyres are a critical part of your racing equipment, and it's essential to know when to replace them with new ones. Check your tyres regularly for wear, choose the right model for the terrain, and make sure to scrub them before race day. And, of course, keep a watchful eye over any damage or wear and tear to ensure a safe and speedy race experience. By following these steps, you can give yourself the best possible chance of keeping air in your tyres and your tyres on the road on race day.
The first thing to check is the wear on your tyres. Worn tyres can significantly impact your bike's handling and traction, and they're more prone to punctures. A good rule of thumb is to visually inspect your tyres regularly and replace them if the grooves have started to disappear or if there's any nicks or cuts in the rubber. It's better to err on the side of caution and replace them a little early, rather than running the risk of a blowout during a race.
If you do need to replace your tyres before a race, it's crucial to put in some miles on them before race day. As strange as it may sound, new tyres need to be "scrubbed" before they perform their best. In the manufacturing process, tyres are coated with chemicals so that the rubber doesn't stick to the mould. However, these chemicals can make the tyres slippery if the road is wet, or too sticky on dry roads. To remove these chemicals, clock up about 50-100km on various roads and surfaces – this will help to wear away these surface chemicals and ensure your tyres perform at their best come race day.
Finally, it's vital to conduct a thorough pre-race inspection of your tyres, reviewing them for any cuts, bulges or damage, and making sure that air pressure is checked and corrected if necessary. Any damage or defects could be dangerous, and it's best to know about them ahead of time rather than discovering the issues mid-race.
Your tyres are a critical part of your racing equipment, and it's essential to know when to replace them with new ones. Check your tyres regularly for wear, choose the right model for the terrain, and make sure to scrub them before race day. And, of course, keep a watchful eye over any damage or wear and tear to ensure a safe and speedy race experience. By following these steps, you can give yourself the best possible chance of keeping air in your tyres and your tyres on the road on race day.