Two tire sizes- which in front

[sjbraun]

For reasons not worth explaining, I have tires of different widths to put on my BMC monstercross, a 40mm and 43mm tire. Which goes in front?

Any thoughts?

Steve
Tucson

[tourmalet]

Narrow in the front and wide in the rear. The back of the bike can take advantage of the additional dampening and traction.

[akelman]

How much dirt will you be riding? Will it often be loose or muddy? If so, I'd consider putting the wider tire up front. Otherwise, it belongs in the rear.

[hobbanero]

On the dirt, I prefer to have the larger tire in front, at lower pressure, to have better traction. There is an argument to be made for having the larger tire on the rear to better avoid pinch flats. I

[Mark McM]

Before MTB suspension forks were developed, it was common for offroad riders to use a wider tire up front. The better traction and shock absorption increased control.

[Gummee]

Originally Posted by hobbanero

On the dirt, I prefer to have the larger tire in front, at lower pressure, to have better traction. There is an argument to be made for having the larger tire on the rear to better avoid pinch flats. I

This

Also depends on how you ride. If you run over stuff like on a 29er, keep the big tire up front.

HTH

M

[AngryScientist]

at those sizes, it probably wont matter much, especially if you're adjusting the pressures in each to suit your needs.

for many situations i encounter in dirt, i would prefer the meatier tire in the rear since i am predominantly a standing climber and struggle with rear wheel traction going uphill on loose stuff, so any more traction in back helps, but your situation may vary.

[tim.bikeparty]

another vote for bigger in the rear.

also i love my BMC monster cross!

[csm]

I'd bigger up front and party in the back.


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[pbarry]

Who remembers the short lived Cannondale 26 x 24 mtb? The 24 was in the back.

[kingpin75s]

I'm with the big up front for rough terrain crowd.

[FriarQuade]

It doesn't cost anything to try it both ways.