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See photos -- these tires are less than a year old and the sidewalls seem to be breaking where they touch the rim. Just a cosmetic issue or am I risking a blow-out? Thanks!
That looks like stress damage from extended use while under-inflated. Are you keeping them within the designed pressure rating of the tire? Do you check before every ride?
They are rated 50psi max, but I had tried running them as low as 30psi for a cushy ride for a while. Wasn't sure how low is too low. Maybe more of a problem because my inner rim width is only 19mm for these 50mm tires? Still within spec but on the narrow end for sure.
Throwing some guesstimated numbers into SILCA's tyre pressure calculator, it seems you should be running them somewhere around 27/28 PSI. 3 PSI seems dangerously low.
Sorry, that was a typo! 30psi is what I meant to write.
Are your break pads rubbing? Doesn't look "bad" yet But I'd be a little worried about it, and keep an eye on it.
The rubber has hardened and is thus cracking due to degradation from UV / ozone. It's on top of the casing which also has rubber in it. As to what will happen and when, don't put your teeth in jeopardy based on internet advice, but at 30 psi probably not a blowout any time soon. I also go by the idea that if there's doubt, there's no doubt. If that makes any sense.