In reference to

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7487

I got a replacement set of Metzlers about a month ago.  Still have not heard whether I will be credited by the manufacturer for defective tires.

Guess what?  The new set is showing signs of developing the same small cracks.  If I get up close and personal with the tire, there are already hairline cracks in the sidewall surface on both tires, both sides, all the way around the tire, not far above the bead.

Can you all inspect your tires and see if you have this?  Is this only true for Metzlers?  I refuse to believe that I have a second set of brand new tires that are defective and showing signs of drying within a month of being mounted.  Is this simply because the tire flexes toward the bead at that point, and the outer surface gets stressed?

I replaced the first set because the shop told me I would probably not pass inspection, they were so bad.  Worse than what I see now, of course.

I should take some pictures and post them and you can tell me if I am crazy paranoid or not.

Trev

It can also be due to tire pressure. Too much pressure expands the carcass and it starts splitting, outermost first. Too little pressure and heat expansion from friction causes the air inside to heat up and expand (okay, I just repeated myself... ) while you're riding.

But, it's most likely age.

Tire pressure is important, though.

Used to happen to me on two sets of Metzeler ME33 Lazer fronts and ME99A Perfect rears, but I overpressurized on those on a different bike.

Could just be that Metzlers suck ass?


And just because a set of tires are NEW TO YOU, does not mean they are actually new.

lets see pics!

Yes, I know tires can sit on the shelf for a while.

The first set was from Feb/May 02, installed in May 03.

The second set has one from the end of 02 and one from sometime in 03, just installed.

I'll check the tire pressure again, and post some pics.

I think maybe Metzlers suck might be the answer.  I can't afford a new set of tires every Spring, when I'm only doing 4-5000 miles on the bike each year.

Trev

Okay, I managed to get a decent picture, it was hard because of the focus.  Now I just need a webhost.  My company has cut that off....

Can I email this to anybody?

Trev

upload it here...

http://pics.atofftopic.com/

Okay, try this.  I think you will need the username and password.  Go to the View Files tab, there are two pictures.

user: gs500
passw: 50525683

http://atlas.walagata.com/view.php?file=P5210357.JPG


Trev

Either its a really old tire, bad rubber compound, or they made outer casing of rubber they molded around the carcass too thin.

Any which way,