5 Signs Your Bike Tires Need Replacing – And How to Choose New Ones

Don’t Let Worn Tires Ruin Your Ride – Learn When and How to Replace Them

Bike tires are your only contact point with the road. Riding on worn-out tires can cause poor grip, punctures, and dangerous blowouts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five clear signs your bike tires need replacing, plus expert tips on how to choose the right new tires for road or gravel riding.

1. The Tread Is Worn Smooth or Flat

On road and gravel tires, visible tread patterns or slight textures help with grip. If your tire’s center strip looks flat or completely smooth, it’s time to replace it.

Check: Run your hand over the tire’s center. If you feel no grooves or texture, it’s worn.

Result: Reduced traction, poor braking, and higher puncture risk.

 2. Frequent Punctures or Small Cuts

If you’re suddenly getting more flats, check your tire for small cuts, embedded debris, or weakened casing. Tiny stones, glass, and thorns often bury themselves deep inside older tires.

Tip: Look closely after each ride, especially for sharp objects stuck in the rubber.

Caution: Even a small cut can expand under pressure and lead to tire failure.

3. Sidewall Cracks or Bulging Spots

The sidewall is often the most vulnerable part of a tire, especially after long-term use or UV exposure.

Warning Signs:

Fine cracks running along the sidewall

Bulges where the tire casing has failed

Never ride on a tire with sidewall damage. A blowout at speed can be extremely dangerous.

4. The Tire Is Too Old

Even if the tread looks good, bike tires degrade over time. The rubber dries out, loses elasticity, and becomes brittle.

General Rule: Replace tires every 2–3 years, even if lightly used.

Storage Tip: Heat and UV exposure speed up tire aging.

 5. The Tire Has Squared Off

If the tire’s profile has worn into a flat, squared shape (common on road bikes), it’s time to replace it.

Problem: Squared tires reduce handling precision, especially when cornering.

Check: Compare your tire’s profile with a new one—it should have a gentle, rounded curve.

How to Choose the Right New Bike Tires

When replacing tires, it’s not just about size—you need to match the tire to your riding style and terrain.

For Road Bikes:

Recommended Width: 25C–28C

Focus: Low rolling resistance, smooth tread, puncture protection

Example: Superteam 700x25C Tubeless Road Tire, Continental GP5000

For Gravel Bikes:

Recommended Width: 35C–45C

Focus: Mixed-surface grip, tubeless-ready, reinforced sidewalls

Example: Superteam Gravel 38mm, Panaracer GravelKing SK

For Commuters and All-Rounders:

Focus: Puncture-resistant casing, durable compound

Tubeless or clincher options based on personal preference

 Bonus Tips:

Check your rim’s maximum tire width

For tubeless setups, refresh sealant every 2–3 months

Buy tires in pairs to get better value and consistent gripFinal Thoughts

Your tires are the foundation of your ride. Riding on worn-out tires doesn’t just slow you down—it puts your safety at risk.

If you’ve spotted any of the 5 signs above, it’s time to make the switch.
And with so many modern road and gravel tires offering better grip, comfort, and puncture protection, you’ll feel an instant performance upgrade.

Looking for trusted road and gravel tires? Browse our latest selection of Superteam Tires and Accessories or reach out to our team for personalized recommendations.