Different size tyres on front and back?

[united4ever]

Is this inadvisable? Always get punctures on the back since that is where the weight is. Thinking 35mm on back, 32 on front. Marathon plus on a commuter. I realise they will not be very fast rolling. Any reason not to do this?

 

[geocycle]

No reason not to mix widths.I’ve done that a lot when I’ve ended up with various odd tyres that needed using up. I doubt it will stop you getting punctures though.

 

[Big John]

^^^^ same with me. Whatever I have in my shed, within reason. I wouldn't mix a 35 with a 23, for example, but a 28 and a 25 would be fine with me. I'm not overly fussy about the directional arrows either if I happen to have overlooked it when I put the tyre on. I don't travel fast enough for it to make a difference these days.

 

[a.twiddler]

There is a school of thought that suggests putting a wider tyre on the front is beneficial if you regularly ride in slippery or bad conditions, even on the road, as the front wheel is where most of the braking force is applied. Not that we're all off road downhill racers or anything, but the principle is the same.

 

[united4ever]

Thanks. Will go for it.

 

[MontyVeda]

^^^^ same with me. Whatever I have in my shed, within reason. I wouldn't mix a 35 with a 23, for example, but a 28 and a 25 would be fine with me. I'm not overly fussy about the directional arrows either if I happen to have overlooked it when I put the tyre on. I don't travel fast enough for it to make a difference these days.

i don't believe they make any difference at all, regardless of speed.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Is this inadvisable? Always get punctures on the back since that is where the weight is. Thinking 35mm on back, 32 on front. Marathon plus on a commuter. I realise they will not be very fast rolling. Any reason not to do this?

I doubt the size will make any difference to puncture frequency.

Marathon plus are nearly puncture proof, so if you're getting lots it suggests something is amiss, perhaps a sharp left in the carcass, or protruding spoke, low tyre pressure etc??

 

[Ajax Bay]

Marathon plus are nearly puncture proof, so if you're getting lots it suggests something is amiss, perhaps a sharp left in the carcass, or protruding spoke, low tyre pressure etc??

Think this tyre choice is for the OP's new (to them) Boardman. Stick with the (scarcely ridden) Vittorias till they wear out, I would.

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

My wife’s Specialised mountain bike came, from new, with a slightly wider tyre on the front to the on the rear.

 

[GuyBoden]

My wife’s Specialised mountain bike came, from new, with a slightly wider tyre on the front to the on the rear.

Yes, I have used a bigger front MTB tyre on my tourer for off road rides. Seems to help when hitting ruts on paths etc.

I've also used 28mm front 25mm back, for a bit more front comfort on my road bike.

 

[Ajax Bay]

I've also used 28mm front 25mm back, for a bit more front comfort on my road bike.

Guess it depends which part of your anatomy is the limiting 'comfort' factor. Why not 28mm on both, on your 'road bike'? The width of the rear tyre adds minimal drag whereas there is a correlation between front tyre width (on a suitable rim) and drag, not that it is an issue for the OP.

 

[GuyBoden]

Why not 28mm on both, on your 'road bike'?

One of my road bikes can fit a 28mm front, but not a 28mm rear tyre. I would prefer 28mm tyres on both front and rear.

 

[HLaB]

When I built the commuter, the bike shop misplaced the forks for the frame so sent me the lighter forks instead by way of an upgrade. The only thing that means I can only run a 23mm on the front with full guards. On the rear I run a 25mm.

 

[united4ever]

Think this tyre choice is for the OP's new (to them) Boardman. Stick with the (scarcely ridden) Vittorias till they wear out, I would.

Yes that's right. You think the Vittoria's Zafiras are ok. I haven't had a puncture for 2 years (tempting fate by saying this I know) with my Marathon plus which has made me a huge convert. I commute on canal towpaths.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Vittoria's Zafiras

Vittoria's Zafiras are ok. See the chart here:
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/road-bike-reviews/vittoria-zaffiro-slick-2015