You’ve probably seen them before – those people who are pedaling away on their bikes indoors, during even the foulest of weather. For the most part, these folks are using bike trainers.
A bike trainer is a device that allows you to ride your bike indoors without having to go anywhere. You simply attach your bike to the trainer, and off you go. But you might be wondering – do indoor bike trainers wear out tires?
Do Indoor Bike Trainers Wear Out Tires?
The answer is – it depends. If you use your trainer on a regular basis, then it’s likely that you will go through tires more quickly than if you were riding outdoors. This is because trainers put extra wear on tires due to the friction between the tire and the trainer.
Additionally, some trainers can be quite noisy, which can also contribute to tire wear. However, if you only use your trainer occasionally, or if you take care to clean and lube your bike regularly, then you probably won’t notice any significant tire wear. So, if you’re wondering whether or not bike trainers will wear out your tires, the answer is – it depends.
What to Do to Prevent Tire Wear When Using a Bike Trainer.
Bike trainers are a great way to stay in shape during the winter months, but they can also take a toll on your tires. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help minimize tire wear.
First, it’s a good idea to buy an inexpensive tire that you don’t mind if it wears down when using a trainer. You might even want to buy a spare wheel that you use just for your trainer. This will also save you the headache of changing tires when you’re ready to ride outdoors. Just swap out the entire wheel and you’re ready to go. This will help protect your better road or trail tires from unnecessary wear and tear.
Second, be sure to adjust the resistance level on your trainer regularly. This will help to prevent the tires from getting too hot, which can cause them to wear down more quickly.
Finally, checking and riding with correct tire pressure. Most people check and adjust the tire pressure when riding outside, but may not be as diligent with their trainer. It’s important to check before each ride since all the pressure is concentrated on the very center of your tire when riding with a trainer and there is no cornering or swerving that normal riding outdoors would entail.
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your tires and keep your bike in top condition all winter long.
Here are a few bike trainers that are highly recommended:
Garmin TACX | Flow Smart Bike Trainer
Elite Qubo Power Fluid Trainer One Size
How Long Does a Tire Last on a Trainer?
Many people ask how long a bike tire will last when used on a trainer. The answer really depends on a few factors, such as the type of trainer, the intensity of your workouts, and the quality of the tire.
In general, however, you can expect a tire to last anywhere from 500 to 1500 miles. If you use your trainer regularly, you may go through tires more quickly than someone who only uses it occasionally. Likewise, if you use a more intense workout program, you may also notice that your tires wear down faster.
Ultimately, it is important to inspect your tires regularly and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear. By taking care of your equipment, you can help ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Do I Need a Special Tire for a Trainer?
You’ve just bought your first trainer and you’re eager to start using it, but you’re not sure what kind of tire you need. The good news is that you don’t need a special tire for a trainer. Any road bike tire will work just fine.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be riding indoors, so you may want to get a tire with fewer treads to minimize noise. You might also want to get a tire that’s a little wider than usual because it will help stabilize the bike on the trainer.
Other than that, just pick a tire that you like and that fits your budget. So go ahead and buy that new trainer – and don’t forget the tires!
Final Thoughts
While it is true that bike trainers do put some wear and tear on tires, it is not enough to warrant buying a new tire after every few training sessions.
The best way to prolong the life of your tires is to make sure they are properly inflated before each ride – both on and off the trainer. Inflating your tires to the proper pressure will help mitigate any extra wear caused by the trainer and keep your rides smooth no matter where you are.
Finally, if you do start to notice excessive wear on your tires, be sure to take a look at the other factors that could be causing the problem. Things like trainer type, the intensity of workouts, and tire quality can all play a role in how quickly your tires wear down. By keeping an eye on these things, you can help ensure that your tires last as long as possible.
Source:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/biking/best-bike-trainer
