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Normal Topic 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires (Read 817 times)
Avlrider
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2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
07/04/16 at 7:20pm
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It's time for new tires,  I have 29ner 2.25 tires now...I was thinking of going to 2.4,  thinking it would be a little better traction and maybe a softer feel....would this be correct in your experience in going to a bigger tire..... Is there any advantage to changing tire sizes?.....thanks for any input.
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #1 - 07/04/16 at 8:42pm
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Are we talking front or rear?  I like smaller tires in the rear on my full squish but on my hardtail I like something a little bit wider for a little extra give.  I like 2.3 up front for traction.

Everybody has there own opinions.  It pays to experiment some.
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #2 - 07/04/16 at 9:47pm
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Depends on what tires you use.  Some tire makers 2.2's are no wider than another's 2.0.
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #3 - 07/05/16 at 12:47am
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The Cycle Path wrote on 07/04/16 at 9:47pm:
Depends on what tires you use.  Some tire makers 2.2's are no wider than another's 2.0.



Truth...
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #4 - 07/05/16 at 3:00pm
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2.3's are one of the more common choice sizes with a lot of selection in it. The internal width of the rim has a substantial impact on the tire performance also.  Riding 2.4's on a 20mm internal rim can lead to worse traction and a lot of tire roll. I use 2.3's on a 30mm internal wheel and they track and roll better than on my stans with a mid/low 20's internal width. The 2.3's are not horrible on the Stans, just better on the wider wheel.
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #5 - 07/05/16 at 10:01pm
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I have nobby nic 2.25 on Giant PXC 2 wheels now.....I dont know the exact internal width of the rim., im thinking it might be 19mm...do you think I can go 2.4?  I was thinking Ardent, Its the only brand Ive seen locally that is 2.4
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #6 - 07/06/16 at 1:42am
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2.4 sounds a little big (and heavy) but it's all personal preference. I'm sure there's a few others who ride completely different, good luck figuring it out!
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #7 - 07/06/16 at 2:08am
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What others have said...

Rim internal width and tire width are key.  Too narrow a rim w/ too wide a tire is sub-optimal.

I run WTB Weirwolf AM/TCS 2.3 on 19mm internal and 22mm internal width  rims on two different 26: wheeled bikes. (2.22" wide on the 19mm and 2.25 on the 22mm rims)  They are the best tires once you have had the chance to understand them and feel confident that they will be there when you need them. 
  
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Re: 2.25 vs 2.3 vs 2.4 tires
Reply #8 - 07/06/16 at 2:34am
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Avlrider wrote on 07/05/16 at 10:01pm:
I have nobby nic 2.25 on Giant PXC 2 wheels now.....I dont know the exact internal width of the rim., im thinking it might be 19mm...do you think I can go 2.4?  I was thinking Ardent, Its the only brand Ive seen locally that is 2.4   


You thinking 2.4 for front? rear? both?  That may be pushing the limit on frame/fork clearance depending on your rig. Even if the tire clears the frame when static, once you push it hard into a berm, or land a jump off camber you may have tire rubbing issues.

There are many factors which compound the issue:

Rider weight
tire pressure (tubes or tubeless)
riding style / terrain
rim width
frame and fork clearance 
stiffness of tire casing

In my experience, tire pressure, rubber compound, tread pattern, and tire casing construction, can have a huge effect on traction without even changing tire width. Wider tires will add volume (cushion) and allow you to run lower pressures without risk of rim strike which increases contact patch and improves damping characteristics (i.e. smooths out the roughness), which indirectly increases traction. The drawback is obviously weight and rolling resistance. 

For your rim width, I would recommend staying at 2.3 or below, maybe a 2.35 on front if you have the clearance. 

  
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