are my new tires new enough?

[sofadriver]

I just recieved my new tires.
Date code on the front is 2212 (April 2012) and rear is 4511 (Nov 2011).
Is that about normal? Seems a little on the old side to me.

[Buckethead]

Ducvet mentioned at a seminar a few years back that he had track-tested some tires (same model, different date codes) to see how well they aged. All tires new off the shelf, just old stock.

I want to say he said he was riding tires 7 years old before he noticed any difference. They're sealed pretty well at the factory, which is why part of why you have to scrub them in.

Different tire models will obviously outgas (which is what makes them go bad/hard/dryrot) at different rates, but you should be fine with "new" 2 year old tires.

[Howie]

If you plan on wearing them out before they are five years old I wouldn't worry.

[Slide Panda]

They're sealed pretty well at the factory, which is why part of why you have to scrub them in.

You really don't need to scrub in modern tires
http://www.sportrider.com/tips/146_0810_how_to_warm_up_new_tires/viewall.html

[Autostrada Pilot]

You really don't need to scrub in modern tires
http://www.sportrider.com/tips/146_0810_how_to_warm_up_new_tires/viewall.html

Thanks for the read.  I had "heard" most of that before, but good to see an authoritative source on it.  Just about 2 months until I get new tires.

[sofadriver]

thanks all.
very reassuring.