Bike tires, no matter how robust, can unexpectedly deflate, especially if you ride on tough terrains. And they are available at almost all the mechanic’s shops to be replaced.
But, what if you can’t have access to one at the eleventh hour? Therefore we recommend you keep spare tires at home for emergency times. However, do you know how to store bike tires?
It’s definitely such a task that needs extra attention. Or else you’d have access to a punctured accessory when you take one out from the storage rack to replace it.
Considering its importance, we are here to share our comprehensive guide on how to store bike tires. So let’s dig deeper into this without wasting more time.
Why Storing Bike Tires is Essential?
Before we discuss how to store bike tires, it’s essential to know why proper storage is required. If you neglect this point, the tire will eventually degrade, leaving you with nothing but a useless item.
This commonly happens because of the rubber-based composition of tires that oxidize when come in contact with air, and eventually start breaking down.
This entire scenario leads to dry rot, a common term amongst bicycle enthusiasts.
But if you are unaware, it basically means the point at which a bike tire becomes stiff and cracks from different places, becoming useless for your needs.
And, of course, there are several other factors that can come into play to damage your bike’s tire that’s not currently in use.
Here’s a breakdown that can help you understand this better:
Exposure to UV Rays: Sunlight reaches almost everywhere except the extreme indoors or completely packed regions. So if you’ve placed your bike tire outdoors, this could be the major culprit of the damage.
And if you think storing the tire inside a garage can help prevent this, be mindful. Even a small amount of sunlight peeking through the window is enough to damage the tire’s build quality, rendering it of no use.
Exposure to Ozone: Rarely, but ozone or O3 is also a common reason behind damaging the structural integrity of vehicle tires. It’s because the toxic nature of this gas has all the power to affect rubber material adversely.
This gas is a common product of electrical discharges released by switches, motors, and pumps. So, just be sure not to store your bike tire in close proximity to them, or else you’d have to face the circumstances.
Extreme Temperatures: Take things seriously regarding bike tire storage if you reside in an area that receives extreme temperatures. For example, if it gets too cold, the rubber can expand but to a certain limit. Surpassing that, it will crack, leaving holes in your tire.
Shelf Life of Bicycle Tires
Before we learn how to store bike tires, let’s first discuss their shelf life. There are no specific figures to reflect the bicycle tire shelf life. Simply put, it goes down to several factors:
- Type of the tire
- The conditions in which you store it
- How often do you use it
You must also know that the MTB tire shelf life would be lower than the one for casual driving, pertaining to the harsh riding conditions.
However, there are still general criteria that may fit in all high-quality bike tires i.e., 5-7 years. But remember, if you are not using it, make sure you learn how to store bike tires to achieve this long-term use.
Moreover, you should also inspect the tires regularly for any signs of cracking, bulging, or dry rot and get them fixed immediately to avoid any costly repairs.
Additionally, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for tire maintenance can help prolong their lifespan.
How to Store Bike Tires?
If you are wondering how to store tubeless tires, you have landed at the right place. When it comes to bike tires, proper storage is important to maintain their performance and longevity.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to store tubeless tires in a bike wheel storage rack.
Clean the tires: Before storing tubeless tires, make sure they are clean. Remove any dirt, debris, or sealant residue from the tire surface.
You can use mild soap and water or a tire cleaner for this purpose. Ensure that the tires are completely dry before proceeding.
Remove the tires from the rims: If the tubeless tires are mounted on rims, it’s best to remove them before storage. This step is particularly important if you plan to store the tires for an extended period.
Removing the tires from the rims helps prevent pressure loss and maintains the integrity of the sidewalls.
Deflate the tires: Release all the air from the tubeless tires by depressing the valve cores. Use a valve core removal tool or a small pointed object like a nail or paperclip to depress the valve core and allow the air to escape.
Inspect for damage: Take a close look at the tire surfaces for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or bulges.
If you find any significant damage, it’s best to replace the tire rather than store it. Minor cuts or scratches may be acceptable, but exercise caution when using such tires in the future.
Store in a cool, dry place: Find a suitable location to store the tubeless tires. It should be cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. We have already discussed how these factors can be dangerous for the tire’s structural integrity.
Avoid storing near chemicals: Keep tubeless tires away from any chemicals or solvents that may come into contact with them. Chemical exposure can cause rubber deterioration and compromise tire performance.
Rotate periodically: If you plan to store tubeless tires for an extended period, it’s advisable to rotate them occasionally.
Every couple of months, carefully move the tires to a different position to prevent flat spots from developing. This step helps maintain tire shape and minimizes the chances of developing an imbalance.
Check occasionally: Regularly inspect the stored tubeless tires for any visible damage, signs of degradation, or pressure loss. If you notice any issues, address them promptly.
In case of severe damage or uncertainty about the tire’s condition, it’s best to consult a tire professional or consider replacing the tire.
By following these guidelines on how to store bike tires, you can ensure they remain in good condition until you’re ready to use them again.
How to Fold a Bike Tire for Storage?
Now that you know how to store bike tires, let’s briefly discuss the way to fold them for convenient storage.
To begin with, you need to lay down the tire on a flat surface like a table or floor with its outer part facing upward. Now you must start pressing down the tire with your hands, starting from the center to the edges.
This step is crucial in removing any kinks in the tire that may pose an obstacle to proper folding. Once you’re satisfied with the tire being flattened, start folding it in half along its width. Start from one end side and bring it towards the center.
You can then fold the other side over it. Just be sure that the two sides of the tire meet at the center. Now you can secure the folded tire with velcro tape so it does not unfold at any point. Your folded bike tire is ready to get stored!
Where to Store Bike Tire?
Now that you are done learning how to store bike tires, here are some bicycle wheel storage ideas for your convenience.
Bike Wheel Hook: It’s one of the space-efficient solutions. You can mount the hooks on a wall or ceiling and hang the tires on them to keep them secure.
Bicycle Wheel Rack: On the second number, we have a bicycle wheel rack that comes equipped with multiple slots and hooks. This versatility can accommodate different wheel sizes.
Bicycle Wheel Wall Mount: If you’re looking for a minimalist tire storing solution, the wheel wall mount can rightfully serve the purpose. They consist of a bracket or a hook, which you can easily attach to the wall and hang the tires vertically.
Also Read: Do Fat Tire Bikes Hold More Weight?
Conclusion
Here you have it: a comprehensive guide on how to store bike tires. Just as you store bike at home, you can even keep tires for urgent use. And the best part? The process of how to store bicycle tires is pretty straightforward, requiring no extraordinary effort.
So, make sure you have a spare tire at your home stored in favorable conditions. Next time one deflates you can put on your mechanic’s hat and replace the tire in a few minutes without visiting a professional shop.
FAQs
Should I deflate my bike tires for storage?
Yes, it is generally recommended to partially deflate bike tires for storage to prevent excessive pressure buildup and potential damage.
How to keep bicycle tires from dry rotting?
To prevent dry rotting, store the tires in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Additionally, avoid storing them near chemicals or petroleum-based products that could accelerate degradation.
