Tire Sizes for Dirt

[monkeythumpa]

So I need new tires for the XT. The front calls for a 3.0 x 21 and the rear is a (more familiar size format) 120-80x18.

The Shinko 244s I am looking at for the rear are sized in the former format. I found a conversion chart but there is a range (3.5x18 to 4.5x18) and I was wondering if I should err on the skinny or fat side. For trail riding which is better? I know you want chubbies for sand, but what about the typical Nor-Cal trails with rocky/dusty/hard-packed dirt? Skinny is better so the knobs dig in, right?

 

[KCCO]

I would say go for the fatter tire, if you are trail riding te extra contact patch will be helpful. If you are racing, it slows you down. Just my .02

 

[Lunch Box]

I usually shoot for the mid to upper range of the size allowance. I care less about acceleration than I do about traction.

 

[monkeythumpa]

Cool. They make a 3.50 and a 4.10 so I will get the bigger one. Thanks!

 

[2strokeYardSale]

Get the smaller, lighter rear tire. You will notice the less rotating weight more than you will notice improved traction.

 

[monkeythumpa]

Too late, I already ordered the larger size.