How to store bike tires properly

Four conditions matter: dry (avoid humidity), dark (avoid UV and direct sunlight), cool (avoid extreme heat above room temperature and cold below freezing), and away from ozone sources (air conditioners, electric motors, and generators generate ozone that degrades rubber compounds rapidly). A tire stored next to a transformer or electric motor can develop sidewall cracking in days. These conditions apply to both mounted tires on the bike and unmounted tires in storage.

Remove the wheels and hang them up, or turn the bike upside down so it rests on the handlebars and saddle. Both approaches remove the weight of the bike from the tires, preventing the sustained static load from deforming the tires and potentially causing flat spotting or sidewall stress. If the bike must remain on its tires, inflate to the correct pressure and check monthly. For tubeless setups, Michelin recommends removing the tires and the sealant if storing for a long period — dried sealant inside a stored tire can be difficult to remove later.

Folding bead tires (those with aramid or Kevlar beads) can be folded for storage, as the flexible bead allows this without damage. If a folding bead tire was originally sold folded, it can be re-folded for storage. Rigid wire bead tires must not be folded — the steel wire bead will kink and permanently deform if bent sharply, compromising the tire's ability to seat on the rim correctly. Store wire bead tires as a round shape, standing upright or hanging.

Don't fold tubular tires. Store them in the same way as rigid bead tires — as a circle, hanging in a cool dark location. Tubular tires should not be folded because their sewn casing and the inner tube within would be stressed and could develop problems. If storing a spare tubular for road use (pre-stretched and ready for emergency use), roll it loosely and carry it in a saddle bag or jersey pocket — but don't store it folded long-term.

Michelin recommends removing tires from service ten years from the date of manufacture, regardless of storage conditions. Rubber degrades through aging even without use, and a tire stored for many years may look acceptable on the outside while having a degraded compound that cracks under pressure or offers reduced grip. Check the manufacture date on the tire or packaging. If storing new tires long-term before use, keep in the original packaging and follow the storage conditions above.

Slight deflation is advisable for very long storage, but don't deflate completely. A completely flat tire allows the weight of the bike to rest directly on the rim through the collapsed tire, which can stress the rim and bead area. Reduced pressure — enough to maintain the tire's shape without being fully inflated — is better for winter storage. For tubeless setups with sealant, avoiding complete deflation also prevents the sealant from pooling excessively in one area.