stephen

got a question about tire size.....right now i have a 26x2.1 tire, but i am thinking of switching to a 26x1.95. i mostly do intermediate trails with loose climbs and bumpy downhills. any suggestions or reasons on why to go one way or another?

Richard D

Generally more cushioning on a larger tyre, but slightly slower rolling. To be honest though in the few tyres I've tried on both my bike and friends other factors in the design such as tread make as much difference.

Richard

stephen

are there certain tread types? what do you recommend? sorry for the newbie questions...but you gotta learn somewhere!!

Monkey Spud

Soft compound, hard compound, directional tread (helps in looser conditions/mud). Soft compounds are better in loose/muddy conditions, hard compounds are better on hard conditions. Lower air pressure will make a smoother rider but harder climb..

anyone care to reiterate?

Hawkphoto

My all time favorite tire is the Michelin Wild Gripper Comp in RED! it's a 2.1 Dual Slalom tire, but on an a hardtail XC race bike... You can ride on, over, through, even on the sides of anything. They are directional, self sharpening, and have an amazing sidewall tread so you can really lay the bike down. You can run pressure down to like 18 - 20 PSI, I weigh 170. If you like catching air, These are the balloons that you want to land on...so smooth!

That said...

Just bought some Hutchinson Mosquito Golds in YELLOW! They're 1.95 XC tires with a somewhat conservative tread pattern, BUT OH MY GOD!!! They Are SO DAMN FAST!!! I can literally feel the added momentum and see the shaved seconds and minutes off my personal best on my favorite trails. The ride is a little bit rougher, cause you gotta run a bit more air, but they grip pretty impressively on all but the fastest off camber turns... Haven't gotten them wet yet... That'll be the true test!

WoodyUpstate

I went from a 2.1 to 1.95 this season. The 2.1s are clearly better in the mud and wet conditions, or when the trail is loose. Overall, they are probably a better all-around size.

The 1.95s felt squirrely when I first put them on (I changed brands as well as size, so that must be considered). It felt like they were drifting all over, and downright scary in the mud. However, after a few rides I settled in with them. They are lighter, and roll slightly easier because you need a little more air in them.

Which is better? It depends on the trails you ride, the weather, if you race, your riding style and who knows what else. You'll probably see more difference changing tires types/brands than changing size.

My XC race tire is a Kenda Kharisma Lite, 495 g, 26x1.95. I ride Kharisma Krystals on my trail/training wheels. They wear longer, weigh 100g more, but have the same tread type.

urbanking

I ride both 1.95, and 2.1, and to tell you the truth, i would stay with 2.1. I can roll, and just as well with the wider tyre, at the same time as absorb more bumps. As for the conditions, just pick out a nice tread. Your LBS should be excelant at helping you.

Monkey Spud

2.3 Nokian Gazzos or Maxxis High Rollers. *****en tires, both made for dh but I use them all over. Just had my first problem with the gazzos, the bead ripped on the two brand new ones that I bought. I inspected them more and they were not sewed to the bead properly.

MichaelW

Soft sticky rubber grips better on hard surfaces (like rock climbing boots do), but wears out quickly.

On loose surface, there is nothing to stick too, the grip comes from the tread pattern. A harder compound would grip as well, but last longer.

Monkey Spud

Im sorry, dyslexic thinking was I!! Your correct. Wrong Me!!

You Thanks for Info!!