Trainer tires...

[Owlie]

I just got a new trainer as an early Christmas/late birthday present.
Now, I have a quick question about tires. Should I use what's on my bike, buy a cheap tire for trainer use, or get a trainer tire?

My tires aren't exactly expensive (Kenda Kriterium, I think). I just don't want to have to buy a new one before I have to. Thoughts?

[makbike]

I use an old tire on my trainer as they (trainers) are hard on tires. Whenever I purchase new tires for my bike I save the old ones and make them into trainer tires. I would suggest if you don't have an old tire you can use visit your LBS and purchase a very cheap tire. Have fun!

[LivetoRide]

Trainer tires aren't worth it-- I'd just buy a cheap tire for trainer use or use what you have on the bike if tires are something you'd like to / are planning to upgrade soon. I personally use an old tire on my bike for indoor riding.

[Becky]

I can and do use an old/cheap tire as my trainer tire, but it doesn't work for my DH. He can "slip" a normal tire pretty easily (leading to horrible squeaking noises) and manages to heat up and trash tires far faster than I can. For him, a true trainer tire makes a big difference in terms of noise, which in turn saves my sanity

[Owlie]

Thanks everyone! I had a feeling that a cheap/old tire was the best bet. My tires are relatively low mileage, and while I'd like to replace them, it's not worth doing it just yet. Off to Performance after Christmas, I think! (My LBS doesn't have cheap tires. Seriously.)

[Bike Writer]

Owlie, you might want to check another LBS. My sister bought me a trainer for Christmas and I've been checking out tires. The LBS where I normally shop said to buy a slick or cheap tire. A new LBS opened recently and I stopped in and the owner said he had some old tires laying around and all I'd have to do is pay for the mounting. I'll give that a whirl and see how it works out.

[LivetoRide]

Owlie, you might want to check another LBS. My sister bought me a trainer for Christmas and I've been checking out tires. The LBS where I normally shop said to buy a slick or cheap tire. A new LBS opened recently and I stopped in and the owner said he had some old tires laying around and all I'd have to do is pay for the mounting. I'll give that a whirl and see how it works out.

Bike Writer, I too, thought of that after I posted; It wouldn't be a bad idea to ask your LBS if they have any used tires lying around that'd still be ok for use on the trainer.

[ridebikeme]

Like many of you, I generally use an old tire as well. Although I do own a trainer tire, and will install it once the other is completely trashed.

We've held trainer rides here in the shop for over ten years, and I have seen a couple of people in that time that would leave black all over the wall. At least with these people, the reason that happened was that their rear wheel was out of round. When they would adjust their flywheel so that it made contact all the way around the circumference of the wheel, of course there were areas where it really dragged... hence the rubber coming off. So I'm not sure whether this is the issue here as well. You could always check out the rear tire and it will definitely show evidence of that if it is true for you.

Merry Christmas everyone!!