Wheel worn after around 500 miles?

OK, it may be my own fault for buying cheap - but my rear tyre (Cyclocross 700c used for commuting) is down to the puncture protection layer, this is the 2nd rear wheel I've had since getting the bike (about 9 months ago) and this one was only put on around 3 months ago, done around 500 miles since then.
First of all, I know the tyre needs replacing, but how urgent is it? Am I OK riding on it until I start getting punctures or do I need to not ride it until I can get it in?
2nd of all, it might be because it's a £20 tyre (although not the cheapest) but is there any reason the tyre has gone so quickly, I'm a big guy so that won't help. I check my tyre pressure at least once a week - is there anything else I can do or anything else I need to check? Or shall I just dish out on a decent rear tyre?
First of all, I know the tyre needs replacing, but how urgent is it? Am I OK riding on it until I start getting punctures or do I need to not ride it until I can get it in?
2nd of all, it might be because it's a £20 tyre (although not the cheapest) but is there any reason the tyre has gone so quickly, I'm a big guy so that won't help. I check my tyre pressure at least once a week - is there anything else I can do or anything else I need to check? Or shall I just dish out on a decent rear tyre?
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Simon
retired 9.6kg Carrera Kraken
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However, I would not have said that £20 was especially cheap for a bike tyre. High On Bikes will do the Conti Gatorskin for only a little more than you've paid for your dead rear tyre; they are supposed to be pretty good (although I've not tried them myself).
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I will be trying out some Schwalbes when these give up the ghost. The last set lasted about 2500 commuting miles through Londons finest flint and glass (AKA roads). So a few more months and some new boots will be due.
Beep Beep Richie.
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FCN +7 (Hanzo Fixed. Simple - for the commute)
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I wouldn't say you bought cheap, Schwalbe Marathon's only cost £20 and owners report having covered thousands on miles on them. I don't know if the rider's weight will cause extra wear, but if you're worried that might be a cause the Marathon Pluses are only around £5 more.
I get ~3000 miles from my £5 Vittoria Zaffiros
I consistently got 2500km ( 1500 miles ) out of GP4 Seasons and then they become puncture magnets and must be changed
They are great tyres for 2500km and then they start getting a flat every 100 miles or so
follow on
Schwalbe Marathon Plus are also very good - there is a weight penalty, but that penalty also applies to losing you puncture repair skills.
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And for less than a tenner you can get a puncture protected Schwalbe Delta Cruiserwhich is also good for a few thousand.
I use my turbo exclusively for shredding retired old tyres I no longer use on the road.
If it's not that, then make sure you pump them up to the recommended pressure if you don't have a pressure gauge on your pump, that means hard enough so you can't squeeze them at all between your thumb and forefinger.
Personally I swear by Gatorskins. 4000 miles without a puncture and counting....
Let us know how you get on!
Try something more hard-wearing and appropriate, like a touring tyre. For a wider tyre like you're running my personal favourite would be a Schwalbe Marathon Supreme, but you might want to go for something a bit cheaper.
Kona Jake the Snake
Merlin Malt 4
Vittoria Zaffiros is what I tend to use. Seem to get a decent life out of them. I ride on a range of surfaces including rough cycle tracks. I tend to get at least 4 months out of the rear tyre. I don't know how many miles that is as I never bother counting. I also carry a bag with my gear and bait for the day, on top of the rack which weighs the back down. In summary I think they are a cheap and economical tyre to use.
+1 for gators though i am testing vittoria rubionos pros free from a ctc ember as a trial and they seem good as well , a little grippier then gators in the wet maybe.
Done maybe 2000 miles on my 1st set of gators and they look fine .