Firestone Clincher White vs Universal Ribbed White

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BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Firestone Clincher White vs Universal Ribbed White

Post by BRENT in 10-uh-C » Fri Jan 30, 2026 9:30 am

I know this is going to be difficult since most people won't have experience with using both types for a true comparison, but since I need to get onto the waiting list for either of those two 30x3½ Clincher White tires, I gotta make a decision. So, between these two brands of tires, which tire will last longer mileage wise? The Ribbed Universal that is $50 more, -or will the Firestone offer roughly the same mileage as the Universal?


Art Ebeling
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Re: Firestone Clincher White vs Universal Ribbed White

Post by Art Ebeling » Fri Jan 30, 2026 9:43 am

Brent, I have the white ribbed Universal and the tread is worn smooth with less than 500 miles on them. They have also turned brown in the five years I have had them. The discoloration is not from inner tubes because they are temporarily white when scuffed with a red Scotch brite pad. I would not buy them again.


TXGOAT2
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Re: Firestone Clincher White vs Universal Ribbed White

Post by TXGOAT2 » Fri Jan 30, 2026 10:15 am

Is their anything in the tires' environment that could contribute to the browning? A number of things can accelerate browning. Some tire cleaning products allegedly contribute to browning of white tires.
Back in the day, the all-white tires wore very rapidly. The advent of lamblack-filled tire rubber greatly increased mileage and overall durability of tires. I don't know if today's white tires use the same material as they did back when. I do know that yellowing/browning is still an issue with modern whitewall tires. Chemical fumes, including fumes from fresh tires, ozone from arc welders or brush-type electric motors, sunlight, and exposure to air all contribute to browning yellowing.

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