How to Tell When Your Bike Tires Need Replacing

Tires don’t just “pop” out of nowhere—they give you warning signs first. The trick is knowing what to look for before your next ride turns into a long walk.

At Wrench & Roll, we swap tires for everything from daily commuters to weekend trail bikes. Here’s how to tell if yours are ready for retirement.

1. Tread Is Worn Flat

Road and hybrid tires should still have a slight curve to the tread. If yours are flat down the middle, grip is going fast—especially on wet pavement.

2. Cracks in the Sidewalls

If you see little lines or splits along the side of your tire, that’s dry rot. It means the rubber’s losing elasticity and could blow under pressure.

3. Frequent Flats

One flat? Bad luck. Three in a month? The tire’s probably thin enough for every bit of debris to poke through.

4. Bulges or Uneven Wear

Any weird shape means the tire casing is compromised. Time to swap it out.

Need help picking a replacement? We’ll match you to something that fits your frame, your riding style, and La Crosse’s roads. Contact us or browse new tires and tubes in-store.