Author Topic: TYRE WIDTH/SIZE QUESTION???? (Read 1198 times)

HARORIDER · « **on:** December 17, 2008, 10:58 PM »

why do new school bikes come with a wider tyre on the front than on the back??

moley · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2008, 12:01 AM »

Probably more surface area, therefore more grip.

The rear wheel is trailing whereas the front can swivel so you need more grip!!

But thats a guess!!

I hope I'm right!!

JT71 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2008, 06:51 AM »

it's just a nod to the old school fat front/thin rear set up, you see even the kids love old school.

actually I made that up and have no idea, however Moley's suggetion sounds about right.

I ride fat ones front and rear.

pickle · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2008, 07:08 AM »

i think it makes the bike a bit more stable and the stearing a little less twitchy.............but whay the fook do i know!

darkersomeday · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2008, 09:36 AM »

makes no difference whatsoever,

looks good though

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2008, 01:44 PM »

A fatty up front and a skinny in the rear (fnar fnar) raises the front end and lowers the rear. This relaxes the head angle oh so slightly. And lowers the gearing a tad too.

Now whether or not any of us can actually feel the difference, well that's another thing all together.

Personally I'd say it was just for looks.

Back in 83 when I was only doing kickturns, I believe I felt a difference. I never ran a fat front tyre ever coz it seemed to steer weird, but rear tyres were all 1.75s as thats the only size shopper tyres came in.....

macky · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2008, 02:23 PM »

A lot of new skoolers say it gives them more control over the bike... $:-\$

I never tried it so I can't really say otherwise!!!

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2008, 02:31 PM »

Skinny tyres are twitchier for sure. Maybe thats it?

gavprimo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:53 AM »

bigger surface area at the front for more grip/stable landing/less chance of sliding out, and if your an old fooker like me its easier on your wrists if you don't have it at eleventy psi

dirt monster front/v monster rear combo used to be popular for dirt jumping as it gave you grip when you were landing but the skinnier rear gives you more acceleration and less weight on the driving wheel. Many mountain bikers Downhillers and 4x riders also use less grippy or slimmer rears to get more speed but better grip at the front wheel which you are usually landing on first