Different size tyres??

[Moodyman]

Will using two different sized tyres cause problems. i.e. 26 x 1.75 on rear and 26 x 1.5 on front?

Currently using 26 x 1.75 on front & rear, but when rear wears will move front to rear and replace front with new 26 x 1.5.

26 x 1.5 came with the bike. But they're not as pucture resistant as the 26 x 1.75 Marathon Plus that I'm running - took these off my old commuter.

 

[Crankarm]

False economy and too much hassle to rotate tyres on bikes just replace rear or front as and when they need replacing.

 

[Piemaster]

As with most cycling things, Sheldon has an opinion this.
He also mentions the tyre rotation, which goes with the way you intend to do it ie. stick the new one on the front.

 

[Moodyman]

Thanks. I'd already read Sheldon and he endorses what I'm proposing, but I wanted to understand if there were any performance/ handling issues which he doesn't touch upon.

The 26 x 1.5 are brand new and offer some puncture protection, but not the same as Schwalbe M+ (26 x 1.75). Ordinarly I'd replace the M+ with M+, but it seems an awful waste to have two new tyres sitting there looking pretty.

 

[MajorMantra]

Thanks. I'd already read Sheldon and he endorses what I'm proposing, but I wanted to understand if there were any performance/ handling issues which he doesn't touch upon.

It'll be fine. At least one tyre manufacturer (Conti) has even released a matched pair of tyres with a wider one on the rear. You'll not notice any difference.

Matthew

 

[fossyant]

If you are a tart like me, non matching tyres (different brands/colours) are a no-no.

Won't affect the bike at all !!!

 

[tyred]

Having different sized tyres will make no difference. Ever own a Raleigh Chopper?

 

[Moodyman]

Thanks Fossyant - this is my conundrum.

The rear, slightly wider, is a Schwalbe M+ - a semi slick of sorts. The front, would be Bontrager but also a semi slick. Visually the tyres are the same - black with a reflective strip.

My concern centre around the handling with two similar but different treads.

 

[fossyant]

Oh well, if visually the same........ fine..... I'll let you off.

 

[MacB]

Nope, they have to be seen to be mismatched, the more they clash the better....even if it only upsets folks like Fossy it's a job well done

 

[fossyant]

Nope, they have to be seen to be mismatched, the more they clash the better....even if it only upsets folks like Fossy it's a job well done

Only 'serious' cyclists have matching tyres you know Hee hee

 

[jig-sore]

no everyone is wrong !!!! if your rear tyre is larger it will travel faster than the front tyre and you WILL overtake yourself !!!!!!

 

[BentMikey]

no everyone is wrong !!!! if your rear tyre is larger it will travel faster than the front tyre and you WILL overtake yourself !!!!!!

Crikey! That's why I keep turning around and around!! My front is a 28-406 and the rear a 23-571.

 

[MajorMantra]

no everyone is wrong !!!! if your rear tyre is larger it will travel faster than the front tyre and you WILL overtake yourself !!!!!!

But will it take off?

Moody,

Trust us, it'll be fine. When it comes to slicks and semi-slicks the tread pattern is more about marketing than anything else anyway.

Matthew

 

[Piemaster]

Having different sized tyres will make no difference. Ever own a Raleigh Chopper?

Hmm. From childhood memories of my mates bikes I wouldn't hold a Chopper up as a shining example to the concerns of the OPs over handling.

It was however an extremely cool bike. Sub-zero. How I wanted one. My parents however knew better and bought me a drop-bar 'racer' instead.
Actually, for once, they did know better.