Why are the tires on my trike wearing out so fast?
Recumbent cyclists and Trike users have three wheels contacting the ground. Unlike a bicycle with two wheels, the presence of a third contact point largely restricts any tilting during riding, and as such, wear can be concentrated on the top of the tire.
The two most common causes of expedited tire wear on three wheeled mobiles is misalignment or over-inflation.
Correct alignment of a trike should be completed by a experienced mechanic. Brand new trikes often require alignment before riding.
A quick check for a trikes alignment can be completed by following the below tips:
Over-inflation is prevalent among all types of cyclists. The same theory applies for trike users as well.
Maximum listed pressure on a tires sidewall should be reserved for maximum load applications.
While each tire has a specfic and tested maximum load rating (as is stated on the sidewall of the tire), many of Schwalbe's tire have a maximum load rating of around 80kg. This load rating is specfic to a single tire.
On a trike, the gross vehicle weight is distributed among three tires.
For example, if each of the three tires on a trike had a maximum load of 80kg, than the gross maximum load of the system would be over 500lbs!
As is further described in other helpdesk articles, a tire is designed to deform, and it's corresponding pressure should match the system weight, as well as the riders preffered comfort and grip.
Cyclist are encouraged to experiment with tire pressure, and even track lap times on a satellite device or tracking application. Such data can help inform optimal tire pressure since a bumpy or stiff ride can be misinterpreted as being fast.
Contrary to common sentiment, rock-hard tires that have been overinflated DO NOT roll faster
The two most common causes of expedited tire wear on three wheeled mobiles is misalignment or over-inflation.
Correct alignment of a trike should be completed by a experienced mechanic. Brand new trikes often require alignment before riding.
A quick check for a trikes alignment can be completed by following the below tips:
Over-inflation is prevalent among all types of cyclists. The same theory applies for trike users as well.
Maximum listed pressure on a tires sidewall should be reserved for maximum load applications.
While each tire has a specfic and tested maximum load rating (as is stated on the sidewall of the tire), many of Schwalbe's tire have a maximum load rating of around 80kg. This load rating is specfic to a single tire.
On a trike, the gross vehicle weight is distributed among three tires.
For example, if each of the three tires on a trike had a maximum load of 80kg, than the gross maximum load of the system would be over 500lbs!
As is further described in other helpdesk articles, a tire is designed to deform, and it's corresponding pressure should match the system weight, as well as the riders preffered comfort and grip.
Cyclist are encouraged to experiment with tire pressure, and even track lap times on a satellite device or tracking application. Such data can help inform optimal tire pressure since a bumpy or stiff ride can be misinterpreted as being fast.
Contrary to common sentiment, rock-hard tires that have been overinflated DO NOT roll faster
Updated on: 03/25/2025
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