Tyre Question

Steve_b77
Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
edited October 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
On my bike - GT Aggressor 2.0 XC - it's got a 2.1" wide Toiga Factory front tyre and a 1.95" wide Toiga XC Xtreme on the back I was wondering if it's better to have the same size trye on both front and back?

Comments

  • RideTheLakes
    RideTheLakes Posts: 209
    I think different sizes can make sense. They both perform different functions, the front is more for lateral grip and the rear for straight line acceleration or braking.
    Lake District Mountain Biking
  • dawnophile
    dawnophile Posts: 157
    You don't see too many people riding around with a wider rear than front. Some people use different types of tyre front and rear, for the reasons RideTheLakes mentions above.
  • timbooth
    timbooth Posts: 160
    I have never really understood the 'wider front' idea - a different shape - yes, but wider - ???

    The front should be rounded in profile to ensure grip whilst turning, the rear is needed for traction, but also for braking and can wash-out with less issue.

    Perhaps the rear could be larger - as the rear carries 60+% of the weight and rectifying this by pumping up the tyre reduces its grip.

    The only reason that I can see for a wider front is because you can - more clearance.

    Like so many things in a technical sport like cycling, I wonder if it isn't simply a fashion to get us spending more money.

    I wouldn't stress it for the sake of 1/4 of an inch.
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    10 years ago I used to run a continental 1.5" mud tyre on the rear a Spec 2.25 tyre on the front, worked great but a lot people thought I was crazy. Theory was the rear was mostly just for straight line grip to dig into the mud whereas the front is obviously used for steering to. Can't say if it really helped, I'm not like a bike mag tester that can tell the difference between a few psi etc.
    For this winter I've gone for similar sized front and rear mostly as where I ride now is a lot more rooty and rocky so I wanted the extra rim protection.
  • BikerDan
    BikerDan Posts: 188
    Everybody has there own tyre set-up. Tyre choice is a very personal thing.
    Learn on a Hardtail or be crap forever!
  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    Thanks for that guys, it all seems it's down to personal choice.

    The thing that got me thinking is in this months MBR where they test £500 hardtails, the GT Avalanche 1.0 won easily and that has 2.1" wide Kenda Nevegales both front and rear

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