Tire width staggering on front/rear?
07-07-11, 05:01 AM
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Tire width staggering on front/rear?
Would there be any advantages/disadvantages to running 1 size skinnier tire on the front?
I.e. 20c front/23c rear?
How would this compare to running either 20c or 23c on both? (Currently running 23c on both).
Also, I'm 5'5" and 145 lbs so I'm a relatively small/light rider.
I.e. 20c front/23c rear?
How would this compare to running either 20c or 23c on both? (Currently running 23c on both).
Also, I'm 5'5" and 145 lbs so I'm a relatively small/light rider.
07-07-11, 05:07 AM
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From Sheldon Brown,
Mixing/Matching Tires
Most bikes come with identical tires front and rear. This is all right for general use, but if you want to optimize your bike, you should consider using different tires front and rear. The front and rear tires have different loadings and different requirements.
Narrower Front, Wider Rear
If lightness is the primary goal, tire width/weight is limited by the risk of pinch cut flats, a.k.a. "snake bites." Since there is more weight carried on the rear tire, you can get away with a slightly narrower tire in front than you can in back.
Wider Front, Narrower Rear
A wider front tire makes sense in many applications, however, when handling and ride comfort are considered. A wider tire will generally provide better cornering traction than a narrower one, assuming appropriate inflation pressure.
A wider tire also provides superior shock absorbency. I personally prefer a slightly wider tire in front, since I suffer from some wrist discomfort on occasion.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
Mixing/Matching Tires
Most bikes come with identical tires front and rear. This is all right for general use, but if you want to optimize your bike, you should consider using different tires front and rear. The front and rear tires have different loadings and different requirements.
Narrower Front, Wider Rear
If lightness is the primary goal, tire width/weight is limited by the risk of pinch cut flats, a.k.a. "snake bites." Since there is more weight carried on the rear tire, you can get away with a slightly narrower tire in front than you can in back.
Wider Front, Narrower Rear
A wider front tire makes sense in many applications, however, when handling and ride comfort are considered. A wider tire will generally provide better cornering traction than a narrower one, assuming appropriate inflation pressure.
A wider tire also provides superior shock absorbency. I personally prefer a slightly wider tire in front, since I suffer from some wrist discomfort on occasion.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
07-07-11, 05:24 AM
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Exactly the reasoning for the Conti Attack/Force combo. I know several who use 23 front/25 rear and will do it myself if I can ever find a decent price on 25's when I need tires.
07-07-11, 09:11 AM
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I have been using 23 front and 25 rear since i'm a big guy. I find it more comfortable than the 23 in rear and using a wider rear tire doesn't have nearly the aero drawback like it would in the front (if you're concerned about that).
