Question about tire wear and upcoming tri????

If you're going to replace them before the tri, replace them with time to do three/four rides on them before the race. You want to wear off the new on them prior to that day.

I'd do it either way if I thought they would live for a sprint.

I went 1k miles on my first set of tires without ever having a flat.  But, as soon as I hit 1k it seemed like I got them every time I rode!  Why risk it?  Id change them esp. for a race.

My main concern is that the race is this weekend and will only be able to get one ride in prior. I'm thinking nothing new prior to race day. If I get new tires I wanted to get the 4000s, but should I just get the same tires to be on the safe side?

Tires are not very expensive.  Why try to squeeze a few more miles out of them.  I'd change, but like the first poster said change with enough time to ride a few times on them to make sure everything is ok. 

Don't break the cardnal rule:  NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY.

Good luck with your sprint!

Your current tires lasted only 1,000 miles, and you're asking if you should get the same ones again?

Get the GP4000s, ride them a few times before your race, then revert back to your old ones if you still think they have some life to them.

Curious why you think your tires "seem to be wearing pretty quickly." Are they showing tread? Flat on the rolling surface?  Many and severe nicks and cuts?

Bear,

Thanks for the reply. I can see a few areas of concern. Some nicks and small pin holes made by stone or glass. When I say a few I mean 3 or 4. The side walls look fine, but I'm new and really don't know how to judge. If you saw them in person you may say they look fine.

If they look fine, with no visible signs of wear and only pin-hole size nicks, they're probably OK. Still, for peace of mind you may want to change them out before your race. Just make sure you get a few rides in on the new ones before you race, nothng new on race day, y'know!

If there are no major cuts down to the casing (threaded inner structure of the tire) and tread is not worn down to casing (i.e. no threads showing), current tires are prob good to go for a while longer.
If you decide to replace & $$ is OK,  go for the 4000s. It's a much better all-around tire.

That said- I always get in a decent ride or 2 on brand new tires before riding 'em in an event.  Wears off the "new" (shininess/slickness from manufacturing process), and makes sure tire is seated properly on rim.  I had a buddy put on brand new tires just before a big event last year & a few miles after the start one tire blew with a bang.  No obvious road damage to tire, so we guessed he prob got a tiny bit of tube stuck between rim & tire bead which held for a short while before failing.

Thanks everybody for the input and replies. I just bought some Hutchinson Fusion 2 Ultras. I figure I can always use the ultrasports on the trainer this winter. I can get two rides in prior to Sunday so I should be fine with getting the new off.