If you’ve been wondering how long bike tires last or how much bike tires cost, you’ve come to the right place.
In this brief guide, I cover everything there is to know about bike tire replacement, including how to monitor them so that you know when to replace your bike tires and how to repair a bike tire rather than replacing it.
If you’re here to find out the average replacement cost for bike tires, you can find the green overview below for a short answer.
Ready to become a bike tire expert? Let’s get it!
- Quick Overview -
Based on current prices, replacing two bike tires will cost you between $50/£40 and $100/£80.
For this price, you can expect a mid-market pair of bike tires that should last between 2500-3500 miles or 3-4 years worth of riding.
If you need a mechanic to fit the tires to your bike, you can expect to pay roughly $20/£15 for half an hour of their time on top of the cost of the tires.
Need bike-specific prices or more info on tire prices? Read this section.
How Long Do Bike Tires Last?
Many factors will affect the lifespan of your bike tires, but the average lifespan of a mid-market bicycle tire sits between 2500-3500 miles.
Here are a few examples of factors affecting the lifespan of your bike tires:
- Riding frequency & duration – how often are you riding and for how long?
- Riding surfaces – are you riding on or off-road, and is the surface smooth or bumpy?
- Riding style – do you ride aggressively and skid a lot, or do you ride at a leisurely pace?
- Tire quality – are your tires made with quality materials, and are you using them for their intended terrain/purpose?
Later on in this guide, we’ll explore the factors affecting how long bike tires last in more detail. As a bonus, I’ll also show you what can be done to maximise the lifespan of your bike tires so that you can maximise your investment.
How Long Do Road Bike Tires Last?
On average, road bike tires will typically require replacing after 3500 miles.
A wide variety of factors, including tire pressure, riding surfaces, rider weight and riding style, will alter the usable life of your tires, but 3500 miles is the average lifespan of a mid-market road bike tire.
How Long Do Mountain Bike Tires Last?
Mountain bike tires are typically subject to higher impact loads, harsher riding surfaces and more of a beating.
However, mountain bike tires offer increased tread depth compared to road bike tires, so the harsher conditions they’re placed under don’t massively alter their average lifespan, and you can expect to get 3500 miles out of a new set of mountain bike tires.
When to Replace Bike Tires
The easiest way to monitor the condition of your bike tires is to keep an on their tread wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators are marks such as lines, grooves or small circular imprints, which display tire tread condition so riders can replace their tires before they become unsafe to ride on.
The images below display some examples of what tread wear indicators look like so you can spot them on your bike.
When inspecting your tires, if you can’t find any tread wear indicators, this could mean your tires have worn down past the tread wear indicator, and it’s now time to look for a replacement bike tire.
Otherwise, your tire might use a different colour of rubber, which appears as the tire is worn past the minimum tread line. If you spot a noticeable change in the colour of your tire rubber, this indicates that it’s time for a new tire.
Additional Tire Wear Signs
Flat Patches on Tire Tread
The tire’s shape should be rounded smoothly on either side, if you find flat sections on your tire, it may need replacing depending on how far the tire has worn in.
Skidding on your tires can cause these spots, so flat sections are especially common on fixed-gear and mountain bikes when taking lots of sharp corners. So check regularly.
Flat sections are most likely to occur on your rear wheel because this is the wheel you skid on most.
Small flat sections that don’t cut deep into your tires are fine, but if you find areas which are worn past the tire tread indicators, you should replace the tire to avoid a blowout or puncture.
Cuts or Nicks in Tire Wall
If your bike tire has cuts or nicks visible on the tire’s walls, then this should either be repaired or replaced.
If you can see your inner tube through a hole in your tire wall, you’ll want to replace your tire as the inner tube can eventually work out of a cut or hole, like a hernia, which can easily cause a blowout or puncture.
Cuts, Splits or Holes in Tire Tread
Depending on the severity of the cut or split on your tire tread, you may be able to repair the tire, or if using tubeless tires, the sealant inside the tire might be able to seal the hole closed.
It’s pretty common to see small knicks or thin flaps of tire which have been cut by sharp objects such as glass or stones while riding (as shown below).
Unless the knick, flap or hole is visibly very deep, you shouldn’t worry about these.
However, if you notice a deep hole or split that exposes the tire’s inner linings (threads/mesh), you can attempt to repair the tire, or if this isn’t possible, get a replacement.
Threads/Mesh Exposed or Fraying on Tired Tread & Walls
Tire walls usually have a thinner rubber coating since this part of the tire shouldn’t come into contact with the ground.
Despite not coming into contact with the ground, bike tire walls and subject to wear from loose objects such as rocks or other debris you encounter when riding.
Additionally, the sun can dry tires out by removing the natural oils from within the rubber, leading to cracks and splits in the tire wall, often exposing threads and other materials beneath.
Once loose threads are visible on your tire wall, it’s worth replacing your tire since its structural integrity has now been reduced, and punctures or blowouts are more likely.
When to Replace Bike Inner Tubes
Bike inner tubes have been known to last for as long as 15 years, but most of the time, you can expect an inner tube to last three to four years if you’re lucky enough to avoid blowouts or substantial punctures.
Since they don’t come into contact with the surface you’re riding on, and their sole function is to hold air inside the tire, bike inner tubes are suitable for and can be repaired multiple times with a puncture repair kit (I talk about these and suggest your best options here)
Even more substantial punctures, such as snakebites, can be repaired with a puncture repair kit, so don’t feel like the tube has to be replaced as soon as it’s punctured.
While patching a punctured inner tube can be slightly fiddly, it’ll be cheaper than buying a new one altogether.
However, if the puncture to your inner tube is substantial or too close to the valve stem, it’s worth getting a new inner tube.
Additionally, if you ride aggressively in your own time or competitively, it may be worth swapping out an inner tube that’s been punctured rather than repairing it, as the patch may loosen over time, resulting in a slow puncture.
How Much Are New Bike Tires?
I spent the last two hours crawling through REI Coop (a US-based outdoor merchant) and Evans Cycles (a UK-based bike specialist), collecting the prices of every single bike tire they sell.
By collecting the price of every tire these well-known companies stock, I can provide accurate estimates on what you can expect to pay for new bike tires in the USA or the UK.
The average price for a new bike tire in the USA is $78, whereas, in the UK, the average cost for a new bike tire is slightly cheaper at £49 per tire.
These are the average prices of a bike tire without splitting the data into sections for tires of different bike types.
For those wanting to know how much mountain bike tires cost or how much road bike tires cost in the USA and UK, I break down these average prices into bike types below.
I’ve also worked the data to find out how much you expect to pay for top, middle and bottom-of-the-market tires for both countries (this is going off the assumption that price dictates quality, which isn’t always accurate).
Bike Tire Cost USA
How Much Are New Mountain Bike Tires (USA)
The average cost of a new mountain bike tire in the USA is $84.
$81 is the cost of the average mid-market mountain bike tire, so, at $84, you’d be buying a good-quality tire that is likely to provide 3000-4000 miles of riding.
$56 is the average cost of a bottom-market mountain bike tire. At this price, you can expect a “jack of all trades” tire designed to be used for a variety of terrains or MTB disciplines rather than a more terrain-specific tire.
Finally, $118 is the average cost of a top-of-the-market mountain bike tire in the US. At this price, you can expect an excellent quality tire with premium characteristics such as high-end rubber compounds, advanced tread patterns and superior-durability.
How Much Are New Road Bike Tires (USA)
The average cost of a new road bike tire in the USA is $65.
When spending $65 on a new road bike tire, you can expect a reliable tire that’s likely to last 3-4 years, depending on how it’s used. Mid-market road bike tires are typically designed for commuters and those riding for fitness.
If you’re looking to cut costs, the average bottom-of-the-market bike tire in the USA will cost you $39. For $39, you can expect an entry-level road bike tire designed for newcomers to road cycling and commuters shopping on a budget.
Top-of-the-range road bike tires cost an average of $93 in the USA. Road bike tires that cost this much are suitable for cyclists that spend lots of time on two wheels or those that compete in the sport and wish to gain a competitive advantage.
Bike Tire Cost UK
How Much Are New Mountain Bike Tires (UK)
The average price of a mountain bike tire in the UK is £52.
For £52, you’ll get a mountain bike tire suitable for a wide range of terrains that provides more premium features, such as improved tread patterns, durable rubber compounds and increased sidewall strength.
If you’re not concerned about the features the tire offers and simply need a tire to get around on, £28 is the average price for mountain bike tires at the lower end of the market in the UK.
Low-end mountain bike tires are designed for beginners and can be an excellent place to start if you’re unsure what your preferred riding style is.
If you take mountain biking seriously, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of tires. A top-quality pair of mountain bike tires will cost you £74 in the UK. If you frequently ride technical terrain, you’ll want a pair of tires that provide excellent traction, reduced rolling resistance and highly durable rubber compounds.
How Much Are New Road Bike Tires (UK)
In the UK, the average price for a new road bike tire is £41, which will get you a tire suited to intermediate level road-cyclists, with a few more premium features, such as standard puncture protection.
If you’re shopping on a budget or are a newcomer to road cycling, a cheaper set of bike tires may be a good place to start. Low-end road bike tires cost an average of £20 per tire in the UK and are suitable for casual rides and commuting.
If you are competitive with your road cycling, you’ll want to look at a more upmarket pair of tires. In the UK, a top-of-the-range bike tire will set you back £65 on average.
Top-of-the-market road bike tires costing £65 and more are suitable for high-milage cyclists or those that compete in races and typically feature the best anti-puncture protection, top-performing polymers and impressive durability.
Are Good Bike Tires Worth It?
If you’re looking to upgrade your bike, almost every experienced cyclist will agree that investing in a good pair of tires is the best upgrade you can make in terms of value for money.
Not only will a top-quality pair of tires outlast a budget set of tires, but they’ll also be nicer to ride on alongside other benefits, which vary depending on the cycling discipline you practice.
A good pair of road bike tires will provide decreased rolling resistance, improved puncture protection and increased durability. Ultimately, this will enhance your riding experience and give you more confidence while on two wheels.
A top-quality pair of mountain bike tires will usually offer an advanced tread pattern suited to the types of MTB riding you practice, dampening the vibrations and impacts on your ride and improving grip on your riding surface.
What Size Bike Tire Do I Need?
The easiest way to find out what bike tire size you need is to inspect the walls (sides) of your existing bike tires.
Along the sidewall of a road bike tire, you’ll generally find something along the lines of “700 x 28c”, which is a metric measurement, indicating the tire would have an approximate diameter of 700mm and a width of 23mm.
Alternatively, you might find something like “29 x 2.30” on a mountain bike tire. This means your tire has a diameter of 29-in and is 2.3-in wide.
How To Find Bike Tire Size
I’ve put together several helpful guides that talk you through bike tire sizing if you’re unsure which site size you need.
- This guide talks you through bike wheel and tire sizing.
- This guide is helpful for learning how to measure bike tire and wheel circumferences.
- And this short guide covers everything there is to know about 700c wheels.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in one of the above guides, you’ll struggle to find it online, so leave me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help you.
Can Bike Tires Be Repaired?
If your bike tire is damaged, you’ll be pleased to know they’re straightforward to repair in most circumstances.
If a piece of glass or a nail has made a hold in the tread of your tire and it’s gone deep enough to be able to see your inner tube, this is a relatively straightforward repair.
The best way to repair holes in a bike tire is to patch the hole from the inside, using the same patches and vulcanizing glue you’d use to fix a puncture on a punctured inner tube.
- Remove the tire from your bike wheel and place your inner tube (if using one) to one side
- Inspect the inside of the tire for any foreign objects (pins, stones, glass etc.)
- Locate the hole and use your file/sandpaper to roughen the area requires patching
- Apply a reasonable amount of vulcanizing glue to the area and allow it to dry for 1 minute
- Apply the puncture repair patch on top of the vulcanizing glue and hold it in place for several minutes
- Check patch is secure and re-attach your tire
Can Tubeless Bike Tires Be Repaired?
If you puncture a tubeless bike tire and your sealant cannot close up the punctured area, it’s still possible to repair your tire using a tubeless tire plug kit.
Plugs are sticky pieces of rubber which are inserted into puncture holes that sealant can’t seal on its own.
A metal fork is used to push the rubber slugs into puncture holes. Once inserted, the rubber slugs enable the tire sealant to close off the hole, making the tire airtight again.
Whilst tubeless repair plugs can last a while, it’s best to consider them temporary repairs that should be repaired properly or replaced once you’re back home.
DIY Bike Tire Replacement
Replacing bike tires is one of the most straightforward bike maintenance tasks, and if you have the tools, it’s easy to do this at home.
Below are the tools required to replace a bike tire and a comprehensive DIY bike tire replacement video.
To replace a bike tire at home, you’ll need:
- New bike tire(s)
- Tire levers
- Bike pump
Bike Tire Repair Kits
You’ll need a bike tire repair kit to repair a bike tire or inner tube at home.
Whilst tire and tube repair kits can be used on any bike, road bike tire and tube patches are often slightly smaller than those in a mountain bike-specific puncture repair kit.
Zefal’s puncture and tire patching kits are affordable and are supplied in a compact plastic case, making them easy to carry with you when riding.
If you ride a tubeless tire and receive a puncture that your sealant cannot close up a puncture, you can use tubeless repair plugs to help the sealant close the hole.
Bike Tire FAQs
How Long Do Bike Tires Last
Whilst there are differences between the durability of different bike tire types, a mid-market pair of bike tires typically provide 3000-4000 miles of riding.
Typically this means a new set of bike tires can last a cyclist between two to four years.
Understandably, these figures will vary depending on how the bike is used and the terrain being ridden.
Bike Tire Keeps Going Flat
If your bike tire keeps going flat, the following steps will help you find and repair the issue. These steps are for bikes with clincher wheels (wheels which use inner tubes).
- Remove the wheel in question from your bike
- Remove the tire from the wheel using a tire lever and place the tire to one side
- Fully inflate your inner tube and submerge it into a bucket of water
- Keeping the tube beneath the water, inspect each section for any visible bubbling/leaks
- Check all areas of the tube, including the valve stem, to make sure you locate every puncture/leak
- Repair the puncture by following the steps here
- Before replacing your inner tube, thoroughly inspect the inside of your bike tire to make sure there are no foreign objects embedded in the tread and remove any if found
- Once happy that the tire is safe to use, re-attach the tire and tube to the wheel rim and fit the wheel back in place.
It’s common for valve stems to become leaky, causing a slow puncture. If you notice your valve stem is leaking, read this article which talks about how to repair them if possible.
Do Bike Tires Expire
Whilst bike tires don’t have an expiry date, there are several telltale signs that your bike tire is too old and needs to be replaced.
If any of the below apply to your bike tire, you should make sure that you get it replaced:
- Rubber on the bike tire is cracking/splitting
- Internal threading is exposed/detaching from the tire
- The bike tire is worn past tread wear indicators
- The bike tire has holes in it
- Rubber is flaking off the bike tire
Bike Tire Replacement Service Cost
To have a bike mechanic remove and install two new tires on your bike, you can expect to pay between $60/£50 (for a lower-quality tire set) and $180/£150 (for a higher-quality pair of tires).
These prices include labour charges and are typical for bike shops in the USA or UK.
Otherwise, if you want to replace your bike tires yourself, the overall cost will be reduced substantially.
Conclusion - How Much Are New Bike Tires?
Hopefully you’ve found this guide to bike tire prices helpful.
I did my best to cover all of the questions you’d have related to bike tire replacement, but if I’ve missed something, please feel free to leave me a comment below.
As we found out, bike tire prices vary based upon location, with the average bike tire in the US costing you $78, whereas the average you can expect for a new bike tire in the UK is £49 per tire.
Bear in mind this is the price of the average tire. Many cheaper options are available if you’re on a tight budget.
Again, if you need any help with tire/wheel sizing, you’ll want to read my comprehensive tire guide.
Thanks for reading.
