One surprise that catches many first-time builders who have finished their projects and turned into flyers is short tire life. While some of this can be explained by a new pilot learning to fly (and test) a new airplane, the actual explanation is much simpler. Your new airplane has “old” tires!
I was reminded of this the other day when our Tundra partner sent me a picture of our “new” tailwheel with a huge aneurism in the tread and sidewall. Since the airplane only has about 70 hours on it, he was shocked to see this kind of damage, and I think he might have quietly been wondering if he did something wrong. Jim has been going through transition training, including lots of landings and take-offs. That can wear things out, but not to this extent.