32c plus 28c tyre combo

[Alan O]

I have a pair of Continental Ultra Sport tyres for one of my bikes, and I quite like them so I got a spare when I saw some going cheap - they're 27 x 1 1/4, so I thought best grab them while I can.

The thing is, I've only just noticed the new one is different - exactly the same name and size designation written on the wall, but its width measures as 32c (which is what I'd expect for 27 x 1 1/4) while my original pair measure 28c (and the tread is slightly different, which is obviously of no importance, but it suggests they're different versions of the same tyre).

My question is, does it make sense to run 32c on the rear and 28c on the front, hopefully giving me a bit more comfort under my rear end?

(Apologies if this has been answered somewhere recently - I have a vague déjà vu memory but I can't find anything.)

Alan

 

[GrumpyGregry]

or 32c on the front for the greater contact area?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

or 32c on the front for the greater contact area?

What would that do?

 

[DCLane]

This morning the Raleigh I used had a 28 on the rear and a 38 on the front.

I wouldn't worry about the difference, although might put the 32 on the rear.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

What would that do?

give you a greater contact area?

It isn't uncommon in mtb world. More grip where you need it is the theory.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

give you a greater contact area?

It isn't uncommon in mtb world. More grip where you need it is the theory.

More area doesn't give you more grip.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

More area doesn't give you more grip.

on an mtb it does, surely?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

on an mtb it does, surely?

No

 

[GrumpyGregry]

No

Is that why F1 cars run narrow tyres, to get more grip from the reduced contact area?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I have a pair of Continental Ultra Sport tyres for one of my bikes, and I quite like them so I got a spare when I saw some going cheap - they're 27 x 1 1/4, so I thought best grab them while I can.

The thing is, I've only just noticed the new one is different - exactly the same name and size designation written on the wall, but its width measures as 32c (which is what I'd expect for 27 x 1 1/4) while my original pair measure 28c (and the tread is slightly different, which is obviously of no importance, but it suggests they're different versions of the same tyre).

My question is, does it make sense to run 32c on the rear and 28c on the front, hopefully giving me a bit more comfort under my rear end?

(Apologies if this has been answered somewhere recently - I have a vague déjà vu memory but I can't find anything.)

Alan

We could rationalise this a hundred ways. Put it on the side that looks the best and satisfies any prejudices you may have on the matter. At least that way you'll sleep. It really doesn't matter.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Is that why F1 cars run narrow tyres, to get more grip from the reduced contact area?

Yes

 

[Alan O]

Thanks folks, I couldn't think of any possible problems, but just thought I'd check.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd put it on the back.