Tyres perishing

[beedj]

Hi, I noticed at the weekend that the tyres on my 2003 Specialized (Rockhopper Comp) are showing significant signs of "perishing" on the sidewalls - many small cracks. The tyres are original fit Specialized "Team Control SL". Maybe a stupid question but is this normal ? ... do I need to replace the tyres or is is more of a cosmetic problem ? I rode 30 miles XC at the weekend with no problems.

Since I bought it in 2003, the bike has had a few lengthy periods (say 6 mths) of not being used at all, due to various personal circumstances - injury, house moves etc - wonder if this has contributed ?

If I do need to replace the tyres, any recommended replacements ? - about 1/3 of my riding is on-road, 2/3 off road (usually disused railway lines, moors tracks etc).

[plfrench]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, tyres don't like sitting around, and if they're a bit under-pressure will craze as mentioned. If it were a car then it would be different, but a bike tyre isn't going to be seeing the same sort of loads, so some crazing of the outer rubber is unlikely to lead to a blow-out... just make sure they're well pumped up and it'll be fine.

Paul.