Commuting - Mixed tire sizes on the same bike

Anyone running mixed tire sizes on the same bike? I'm currently having a fender rubbing issue on my hybridized Alpine MTB. I just replaced my 26 X 1.5 tires with 26 X 1.85 Michelin Citys. I love the plush ride; however, these new Michelin fill the front fender with only a hair's worth of clearance to spare at the front of the fender and I can hear the fender make contact when under load. These tires are only available in 26 X 1.85 and 26 X 1.4 and I'm wondering if I went to the smaller size on the front if I would have any handling issues. I suppose I could also notch the fender for more fork leg clearance, but I don't want to compromise the strength of the fender.

Sheldon brown has an article on tire sizing and has a section on mixed tire widths at: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html . Basically it'll work fine but if smooth ride is the goal large in front/small in back is more ideal.

I've run smaller (narrower) tires on the front of my road bikes several times with no affect on handling. Most of your weight is over the rear wheel, so it's actually a benefit having a larger tire in back. You can also run lower air pressures in the front (and should) for the same reasons, and your bike will ride much more comfortably.

I've run smaller (narrower) tires on the front of my road bikes several times with no affect on handling. Most of your weight is over the rear wheel, so it's actually a benefit having a larger tire in back. You can also run lower air pressures in the front (and should) for the same reasons, and your bike will ride much more comfortably.

+1

Sheldon Brown notwithstanding.

I've ran set ups like this. Really makes sense if you are carrying a load on the rear as the wider tire in the back will transfer less shock to the rims and make it last longer.

I've had 26 x 1.25 up front and 26 x 2.0 in the back. It works out great because I got quicker handling up front where I didn't have any load and I got a plusher more shock absorbing rear end.

sometimes it is better to use a front tire with better grip for better handling.

While not a "commuter" bike, I've got a mid '80s Concorede that I'm running the Continental Attack/Force combo. Attack is on the front and is 700x22 & the Force is the rear @ 700x24.

Not much difference, but they are different size tires... It's the only bike I'm running different sizes on (out of a half dozen or so).

Solved my own problem. The light bracket had slipped down and was putting pressure on the fender. Once I pushed the bracket back up and tightened it back into place, the fender popped up. :o

28C front, 32C rear.

28C front, 32C rear.

Me too.

It's a bicycle, not precision medical equipment.

I'm frugal, so I want to get the most bang for my $. The cost of the Michelin City is the same, regardless of size. But the 32C has a lot more rubber, which will translate to longer wear. 28C is good for at least 9K miles at the front. 32C can reach 8K miles without jack-rabbit starts.

BTW, there's a JensenUSA promo @ General Cycling Discussion. Buy $25 JensenUSA gift card, get $50 credit to purchase stuffs at JensenUSA. JensenUSA will pricematch. Now is a good time to check out the Michelin City at 1/2 price...$13 per tire. Less if you find another online retailer with a lower price. 700 x 28, 32, 40, and 47.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/719199-25-for-a-50-gift-certificate-to-spend-on-mountain-and-road-bike-parts-at-JensonUSA.?p=12346060&posted=1#post12346060

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI299D01-Michelin+City+Reflective+Strip+Tire.aspx

lest you fret about a few measly mm, I had a 28mm tire in back, and a 50mm Big Apple in front. Only problem I encountered was all of a sudden I had a slopping top tube.

Hell my wifes bike has a 27x1 1/8 on the back (about to be a 700x23) and a 24x 1 on the front! LOL

Quit over thinking it. ;)

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