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Somebody told me yesterday the TdF riders' tyres were minimum 10 years old. He then added they were stored in fridges to prevent deterioration and increase durability. Sounds a proper BS.
So, do you store your Maxxis's in the fridge?
Freezer for mine, -20degC is where it's at for maturing tyres.
I remember seeing a feature a few years ago which had a team mechanic with a cellar full of tubs for a pro rider (maybe Lance) which were aged and kept in cool conditions (I think to make them more supple but could be wrong). I'd expect that tyre technology has come along enough since they can get the same characteristics with a new tyre.
everyone knows tyres sound better out of the fridge.....or is that CDs?
didnt you know tyres age like a good wine?
riders used to mature tubs but I doubt they do now
I guess UV may deteriorate them somewhat
Yeah I saw that feature too fuzzy it was mad 🙂
I thought: my new Maxxis adVantage 2.4 is so much better than Tioga Factory XC I loved 10 years ago that it's impossible the road tyres haven't improved over the years.
Maturing tubs was done to gently age the rubber; new tyres were thought to be a bit soft and sticky, and hence picked up road grit and punctures more readily. Racers used to mature tubs by storing them in cool dark conditions for a few months to acheive the required balance of durability and grip.
That gets the WTF of the year award for sure!
There is some science behind it, amazingly.
First the reason for ageing - the tyre continues to cure long after it's manufactured - polymer crosslinking IIRC - which supposedly makes it more resistant to punctures.
Second, why you keep them cool:
http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/passenger/care/age.aspx
10 years old!? That's the biggest load of twaddle I've heard on here!
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