Originally Posted by
Shuacycle
So, I've now read half a dozen threads about using different widths for front and rear tires. I know it's totally okay and endorsed by Sheldon Brown. But I'm looking at some Continental SportContacts and was wondering if 28 in the rear and 37 in the front was too big of a difference. These tires will be on a 2001 Bianci Boardwalk.
Thanks! And sorry if this should have gone in the noob section (first post).
This set up won't make you bike explode, but it doesn't make any sense. The weight at the rear is only about 20% greater than the front while you are on the flat - something like a 35/38 makes sense if you therefore want equal cushioning on each tyre. Plus weight shifts to the front while going downhill...
Going narrow at the front reduces grip where it is most needed for braking and cornering and countering potholes. A jolt at the rear is just a pain in the ass; a jolt at the front can misalign your steering and put your face in the tarmac. That's not to say that 28 is too narrow... but it is if you really need 38 at the rear.
Btw Sports Contacts are nice tyres (fast!) when it is dry but lose a lot of grip in the wet. If you ride in rain I'd fit something else unless you are a very confident bike handler. I'd recommend, oh, a 35mm Marathon Supreme on each tyre. Or even a 40mm, depending on your weight and the roads you ride. A bit more expensive but longer lasting, much better puncture resistance and wet grip, and probably just as fast.