How to Store Bike Tires Properly

Let’s start with a few general guidelines for all bicycle tire types.

To preserve your tires effectively:

• Store in a dry place, protected from moisture and humidity.

• Keep away from direct sunlight or UV rays, which can degrade rubber compounds.

• Avoid extreme temperatures, as these can harm the tire material:
  
  

- Below 0°C: Rubber becomes brittle and may crack.

- Above 30°C: Accelerates the aging process of the tire compound.

• Keep away from chemicals: Do not store near solvents, fuels, or strong chemicals that can damage rubber compounds.
  
  

For Canadian cyclists storing bikes in garages, sheds, or basements, choose a space with stable, moderate temperatures. Avoid storage near windows, heating units, or cold concrete floors without insulation.

If you are planning to go on holiday or are storing your bike for an extended period, for example, during the winter in Canada, we recommend that you remove your Tubeless Ready tires and also the sealant inside. If you've only been using the fluid for a short time, you can store it in a closed container to prevent prolonged contact with air.

Why is it important to remove the tire before storage?

Because if the tire remains mounted and static for a long period of time, the sealant fluid will settle at the bottom of the tire. As the tire gradually loses pressure over time, it will deflate at the very point where the fluid has accumulated, allowing air to enter. Once in contact with the air, the liquid may harden, or worse, spill outside the tire.

If the liquid has coagulated, it will no longer be able to seal the tire effectively.

If they are fitted, avoid leaving them in place for extended periods. Over time, inner tubes naturally lose pressure, and the weight of the bike resting on underinflated tires can create small cracks or flat spots in the rubber or tube.

If you can’t remove the wheels and hang them up, the best alternative is to turn your bike upside down so that the weight is no longer resting on the tires.

Should Tubetype Tires Be Folded Before Storage?

When storing Tubetype tires, fold them as they were originally packaged. A tire with a soft bead that has been removed from the wheel can be folded without issue. However, tires with a rigid bead should never be folded, as this can damage their structure.

If you purchased tires that were already folded in-store or online, you can store them that way again. There is no need to unfold them unless you're preparing to mount them.

If the tire is still in its original packaging, there is no reason to remove it for storage, leave it sealed until you're ready to install it.

Tubular tires should be stored in the same way as rigid bead tires:

• Do not fold them

• Hang them in a dry, ventilated place away from light

We’d also like to remind you of a few important steps before using tubular tires for the first time.

Tubular tires are constructed differently than Tubetype models. Solvents are applied during manufacturing, and it’s essential to allow time for these to fully evaporate before riding.

Before first use:

• Inflate the tire (not necessarily to full pressure)

• Leave it to rest for 24 hours

• This process stretches the casing and allows any remaining solvent to evaporate completely

This step helps ensure a better fit and improved performance when you finally mount and ride the tire.