Bicycle Mechanics - I got 2 new tires for free from a picky fried - which to mount where (mismatched)

Hi I have a 25mm and a 28mm road tire that each is basically new (less than 300 miles).

Which would you put on front of a bike for long rides? I have 32's now that came with my bike. I've read Sheldon's site and he said he put the large in front. Me being 196lbs now, I wondered if that were a good idea for 'me' or not.

Thanks for thoughts.

Since the rear wheel carries more load, that's where I'd put the heavier tire. Also, if you're interested, here's a guide to optimal pressure (http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf) based on the load and tire width. It'll help you understand why I suggested the wider in back.

If I remember correctly, Sheldon's advice was to put the large tire in front for riding gravel, stone or dirt trails. I think if you ride mostly on pavement, you would have a more comfortable ride with the large on the rear. And probably less trouble.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#mixing

I'd put the 28 on the back. Little bit more comfort. Less pinch flats.

I've got 28 front & 25 rear and it feels o.k. to me. I used to have 28 front & rear, but I put a new 25 on the rear a few months ago because I realized the 28 was rubbing the rear brake mount a little.

I weigh 170, but I sit upright and probably put more of my weight on the rear tire than most people would.

I once had a mountain bike that I commuted on. I put the skinniest slicks I could find on it. The rear tire got a cut in the sidewall, so I replaced it with what was on hand, a big, beefy, knobby, mountain bike tire. The fat knobby in the back and skinny slick in the front made the bike look like a John Deere tractor.

I don't think it makes much difference. I might be inclined to put the wider tire on the front, just because it will protect you a bit from "wheel traps", but 3mm isn't much difference.

You may get a softer ride with the wider tire on the rear.

While I believe that the larger tire goes to the rear for road use because of the higher rear axle load, There's no reason you should be bound by forum opinions.

There are only two possibilities, and tire mounting is a fast, free process so you can afford to experiment and decide for yourself. So mount them one way, ride around a while, then switch and see which you prefer.

While I believe that the larger tire goes to the rear for road use because of the higher rear axle load, There's no reason you should be bound by forum opinions.

There are only two possibilities, and tire mounting is a fast, free process so you can afford to experiment and decide for yourself. So mount them one way, ride around a while, then switch and see which you prefer.

You're gonna put the internet out of business with that kind of thinking! LOL

That said, I would be inclined to put the big in the back the little in the front unless the bike is dedicated to off-road riding.

Here's how I think of it: Put whatever size tire you need to put on the rear for comfort, flat protection, stability, etc.

Then you can put a slightly narrower tire on front for weight saving at the expense of comfort.

Or you can put a slightly wider tire on front for comfort at the expense of weight.

Either way, start with what you need in the rear, then you can put what you want in the front.

Personally, I prefer the latter as it provides better comfort and the weight penalty is minimal. Narrower tires generally handle more pressure, which also suits the rear better. The wider tire in front handles turns better.

That said, all my bikes currently have the same size front and back.