I've noticed small pieces coming off my front tire for a few months now but didn't realize how bad it was until I gave my bike a good once-over this weekend as part of regular maintenance.  Some areas it looks like the rubber might split, but "looks like it will split" and "will split" are obviously two different things.

I've owned the tire for a few years (bought it originally as a back-up) and it currently has about 5100 miles as a front-only tire, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was well over 5 years old considering the way inventory was managed at the shop I bought it from.

Threads are still coming off it.  Rubber is starting to show signs of dry rot (but that seems to happen to all higher mileage tires for me), so I don't know how abnormal this is.  I'm starting to worry the sidewall is just going to blow out on my one day sending me OTB.

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How worried should I be?

I see it alot with Conti 4000. I have yet to ever wear one out. THe sidewalls usualy get knicked and start hemoraging, or the threads syndrom kicks in to the point they look scarey. I wont buy anymore.

I switched over to the Rubino Pros in 25c. THey are not as racey, and they excell at nothing, but they do everything GOOD. They seeem to hold up excellant on the sidewalls. Wear is good. cornering is good,  and with some careful shopping, they are more than 1/2 the price. I don't need a race tire, I just need a good durable tire that does not  roll like a garden hose.

Dude I will give you a couple used tires if you want.

ciao
Santana

quote author=6B707D7C7F766C6B282C190 link=1398628723/5#5 date=1398688277]I can afford a new tire, although I appreciate the offer. I'm just stubborn and don't like replacing things until they're completely worn out or broken [/quote]

I think you have reached both points on your wear out scale. How is your health insurance?