New Tyres...size question!

[BlackSwan83]

Afternoon all,

Am in need of some new tyres and ones that will be good for some touring and offer good puncture protection so thing im going to go for the Schwalbe Marathon Plus (with smartguard) but the sizes i dont fully understand.

My current bike has a read of 26 x 2.10 and the front is 26x 1.95 (This is what is stated on the tyres)
However Schwalbe seem to only offer 1.35, 1.5 or 1.75 see link:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-marathon-plus-26-bike-tyre-smartguard/rp-prod24542

Will this matter? and should the front tyre always be thinner than the rear?

Thanks fro your help

Sam

 

[Cycleops]

Sounds like you have a mountain bike or a hybrid. You can probably go down to 1.5, someone else can probably advise you of this who has practical experience. Bikes usually use same size front and rear.

 

[Kestevan]

Have a quick read through this thread.....
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/wheels-and-tyres-a-beginners-guide.117272/

May answer a few questions - but just in case; f/r tyres can be different widths, but are more usually the same (although MTB riders may fit different widths or tread patterns to increase handling this really only applies when hitting serious offroad stuff).

 

[HLaB]

The width doesn't really matter some folk prefer the fatter on the front, others the rear and others like them both the same size. Sheldon brown does a good piece in to the pro and cons of each iirc, google it if you want to.

 

[HB_Dude]

The only real issue might be the width of your rim, If you like how its been riding to date , I'd probably go for the 1.75's , they'll roll much quicker that your current tyres ( I'd have the same size front and rear personally )

 

[Bodhbh]

If you want to keep the volume the same you can get regular marathons in 26 x 2. The puncture protection on those is still pretty good. Marathon Plus Tour tyres also come in 26 x 2, but the tread on those looks a bit OTT unless you're spending alot of time off-tarmac. Something like the 26 x 2 Big Apples would also work if you're staying on the road.