Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Different size tires front and rear

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Different size tires front and rear

Old 08-26-15, 07:36 PM
  #1  
CFster
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Hartford Area
Posts: 25

Bikes: 2014 Giant Escape 1, 2005 Specialized Allez Triple

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Different size tires front and rear

Just bought a 2005 Specialized Allez Triple.

I notice that instead of the spec 700x23c tires, it's fitted with a 28 front and 25 rear. They're Michelin Dynamics.

Is it common to put a bigger tire on the front? The 28s take a little effort to push past the brakes when putting the wheel on.

If I wanted to replace these (because they're worn too), what would be a good tire to go with for the following conditions:

1. I'm a Clyde, so need something to hold the weight.

2. Riding mostly on smooth bike paths, or smooth road.

3. Don't see myself riding in the rain much - probably only if I get caught out...

4. I like a nice ride, but would forego it for more durability as I'm riding on smooth surfaces anyway.

Thanks
CFster is offline  
Old 08-26-15, 07:39 PM
  #2  
bt
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,664
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I'd put the bigger on back if I had to choose
bt is offline  
Old 08-26-15, 07:42 PM
  #3  
Shimagnolo
Senior Member
 
Shimagnolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,060
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3068 Post(s)
Liked 4,529 Times in 2,303 Posts
A bike typically has more weight on the rear, so that is where a larger tire should be.
In fact I am currently running one bike with a 25mm front and 28mm rear just because I am using up the stock I have on hand before buying more tires.
Shimagnolo is offline  
Old 08-27-15, 11:20 AM
  #4  
ColaJacket
Senior Member
 
ColaJacket's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,892

Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Shimagnolo View Post
A bike typically has more weight on the rear, so that is where a larger tire should be.
In fact I am currently running one bike with a 25mm front and 28mm rear just because I am using up the stock I have on hand before buying more tires.
Right, but on the rear, the chain stays and seat stays may not have the ability for the wider tide. But, if the wider tire will fit on the back, then that is the way to go.

GH
ColaJacket is offline  
Old 08-27-15, 01:12 PM
  #5  
rmfnla
Senior Member
 
rmfnla's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: La La Land (We love it!)
Posts: 6,301

Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 9 Posts
For off-road the bigger tire goes on the front so the increased tread area can provide more "bite" in a corner.

For the road the bigger tire goes on the rear to deal with the increased weight on that wheel...
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
rmfnla is offline  
Likes For rmfnla:
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ironwood
General Cycling Discussion
24
07-20-13 05:13 PM
Wilk
Mountain Biking
16
09-18-12 08:54 PM
MudvilleStomper
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
5
05-12-12 10:45 PM
EdIsMe
Road Cycling
3
07-07-11 09:11 AM
zigmin
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
8
08-27-10 01:14 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -

Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.