I'm replacing the tires on my 09 SG. Once again going with Dunlop American Elite that I purchased from Dennis Kirk. The replacements arrived yesterday. The rear is pretty young: manufactured in late November 2018. But the front is already a year old: manufactured in March 2018. What you all think? Should I return the front for a newer tire? Is a year old too old for a "new" tire at first install?

Thanks

Edit: So I found this article answering my own question: https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/fres...-really-matter (Prolly should have gone to googles before HDforum, but this gives us a chance to have this discussion while so many of us are changing tires for spring.) This source says the real issue for new tires is how were they stored pre-sale. Cool, out of sun is key. I trust DK has smart storage and so I'm thinking my brand new year-old tire is fine.

 

I guess it depends on how quick you go through them. It wouldn't bother me as I ride a lot and the tire hasn't seen much to degrade the compound yet. If they are tires that you are going to have on the bike for 3 seasons or more then I might return it.

 

Tyres have a service life of at least 6 years, once fitted. Some manufacturers have recommendations about this on their websites, so try checking there. I would have no problems with the tyres you have, that's about normal IMHO.

 

I wouldn't be concerned, it is a new tire! We may over think this a bit, I inspect my tires for weather cracks, abnormal wear and damage routinely. If it passes the inspection, I roll with it

I had a national auto dealer that would not repair a tire on my wife's car because it was 5 years old. It was a Michelin with half the tread on it. No weather cracks or abnormal wear, she just caught a nail. I could have plugged it, but don't like doing that. I was pissed to say the least. Have you to purchase 2 18 inch Michelin's lately? It was expensive

 

I've had a similar experience! Depends on whereabouts the puncture is and may also depend on local regulations. We can't get a repair near the edge of the tread, close to the sidewall.

 

I wouldn’t worry about it. I think it’s time in the sun and on the road that really ages a tire. I don’t think a year on a storage shelf is a problem.

 

Thank you all. I'm using the tire.

DonnieM grumbled about tire prices. Yeah man. How about this madness. I use handmade Continentals on my bicycles. Kevlar bands and other magical materials, 26" x 1.25." Featherweight. ~ $70 each. Worth every penny, IMHO.

 

It was in the center of the tread with half the tread left. No abnormal wear or weather cracking at all. The big bytch was that I had to replace 2 tires that had life because they were manufactured over 5 years ago and they wouldn't repair it. IMO it is a money maker to them because of their policy. You can buy used tires all day around here (not that I would do that either)

 

My question is....where did you find someone to mount a tire that you didn't buy from them?.....none of the dealers or "indys" in my area will mount a tire that you didn't purchase from them. NONE.

 

I've forgotten how lucky I am to be friends with the guy that owns a very nearby Exxon. He lets me drop ship from Tire Rack then does the install. Gonna drop off a bottle of bourbon for the heck of it.