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.