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different sized tires on front than back?

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different sized tires on front than back?

Old 07-27-10, 05:11 PM
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parksung
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different sized tires on front than back?

ok, another tire question. right now i have 700x25 on the back and 700x28 on the front.

not sure if this makes a difference, does anyone know? (the shop put the 28 on without me saying i wanted it and they didn't have a 25 so i just took it home without questioning). would you have a 28 on the back instead?
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Old 07-27-10, 05:12 PM
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Do you skid?
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Old 07-27-10, 05:13 PM
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Have you measured the tires?
They most likely are not what they are listed as on the sidewall.
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Old 07-27-10, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by squeegeesunny
Do you skid?
nope, breaks
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Old 07-27-10, 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
Have you measured the tires?
They most likely are not what they are listed as on the sidewall.
yes, the tire is 2cm bigger (circumference) than my 25 back tire, and wider (not sure how much exactly) but looks like a real 28
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Old 07-27-10, 05:19 PM
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Here's an article by Sheldon regarding this topic.
Originally Posted by Sheldon
  • Narrower Front, Wider Rear

    If lightness is the primary goal, tire width/weight is limited by the risk of pinch cut flats, a.k.a. "snake bites." Since there is more weight carried on the rear tire, you can get away with a slightly narrower tire in front than you can in back.
  • Wider Front, Narrower Rear

    A wider front tire makes sense in many applications, however, when handling and ride comfort are considered. A wider tire will generally provide better cornering traction than a narrower one, assuming appropriate inflation pressure. A wider tire also provides superior shock absorbency. I personally prefer a slightly wider tire in front, since I suffer from some wrist discomfort on occasion.
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Old 07-27-10, 05:23 PM
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Yes, in those cases where I have different sizes, the wider tire is on the the rear. Reason, more weight on rear than front, so can run about same pressure in both tires. Also, steering is easier with a smaller front tire and a larger rear is less likely to get pinch flats.
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Old 07-27-10, 05:26 PM
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my mismatch keeps both at 60psi.
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Old 07-27-10, 05:29 PM
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i go with slightly larger in front. supposedly better handling, and a bit more cushion/comfort on wrists.
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Old 07-27-10, 05:59 PM
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The reason behind it is actually on old BMX thing. The tire on the front is wider and has a larger contact patch which allows for more grip on the wheel that steers and more slip on the non-steering wheel. Plus, less rotational weight on the rear allows for faster 'wind-up' and acceleration. Another way of doing it, minus the reduced rotational weight, is to run LESS air in the front tire and MORE in the rear tire.

Mike
 
Old 07-27-10, 06:36 PM
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Currently my single speed mountain bike has a Fat Frank in front (26X2.35) and a Fat Boy (26X1.25) in the rear. The only problem with my set-up is now I have a slopping top tube.

As most fixed gear riders know, it's no big deal to skid a rear wheel, or to even have it wash out a little. If you front tire starts to skid, bad things happen very quickly. A wider tire up front minimizes the risk of this by providing more traction due to the wider contact patch.
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