What is the reason for buying Heat cycled tires? I thought that to many heat cycles on a tire was bad for a race tire.

 

ok, we have been down this road before, but one more time.

The first time a competition tire is used is the most important. Durning that run, its tread compound is stretched, some weaker bonds between the rubber molecules will be broken, which generates some of the heat. If the tires are initially run too hard or too long, some of the stronger bonds will also be broken which reduces the tire's grip and wear qualities. Running new tires through an easy heat cycle first, and allowing them to relax allows the tubber bonds to relink in a more uniform manner than they were orginally manufactured. It actually makes them more consistent in strength and more resistant to losing their strength the next time they are used.
As per TireRack.


John

 

IMHO, Tire Rack's heat cycling doesn't really heat cycle a tire as thoroughly as a true track scrubbing. Scrubbing in tires is when you run the tires for a few warm-up laps working the tires up to operating temperature. Once the tires are warmed, pit in, and remove the tires from the car, and let them "cure" for 24 hours (away from sunlight and electric motors). Once cured the tires will be ready to give you consistent performance and longer wear. Tire Rack's heat cycling does NOT get the tires anywhere close to operating temps, and offers no tangible benefits to true tire scrubbing.

 

Like the previous posts have said, it's basically a break-in for the tires. All tires have release compounds in them, which will scrub off in the first few miles. Running the tires (and wheels) to operating temp allows this process to complete. Whether or not Tirerack's heat-cycling is effective, it's your call. I do it myself, 'cuz I like having the extra $60 in my pocket. Proper heat-cycling of a brand new r-compound tire will increase the life of the tire.

You are also correct that too many heat cycles will harden an r-compound tire and reduce its stickiness. That's where Formula V comes in handy ...

 

I thought you just put em in the dyer and use the hottest settting.

 

Yeah, but the local laundromats get pretty pissed off about that ....

 

One exception to the rule may be Toyo RA1s, they seem to get stickier, until they reach cords. Of course that's a good thing since initially they are not as fast. If you are going to run them all the time, I would get RA1s, otherwise V700s. Carl

 

i agree