Currently in the market for new tires, I was thinking SCHWALBE G-ONE RS. My bike comes 50-622 front and back from factory but I was thinking of putting 55-622 on the front and 50-622 on the back.
Is running a wider front tire a thing in gravel? Both my mountain bikes are like this and I’d imagine it helps. Any ideas?
by stinkyclint
4 Comments
I run a 50 front, 45 back. I do it because that’s what fits in the frame, but it works well.
What frame is that? Looks cool.
I haven’t heard of it being a thing, but then again nothing ever became a thing without people who made it a thing.
Keep in mind that a 5mm difference in tire size between front and rear will angle your frame slightly upward and slacken your head angle by 0.2-0.3° resulting in roughly 3-4mm longer trail in addition to a 5mm taller front tire in itself increasing your trail by roughly 2mm. If you’re happy with the handling and grip of your bike I’d just stick to 50mm tires in your position.
No harm in running a wider front if you can fit it, if you’re looking for more grip I’d also consider running a more aggressive tread on the front and a faster tread on the back which you’re probably familiar with from mountain biking.
Popular combo’s I’ve seen are a G-One Ultra Bite/Bite, G-One Bite/Allround, Cinturato M/H, at the size you’re looking at you could probably go for a classic Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal combo too.
Honestly though depending on use I think you’re looking at diminishing returns past 50mm anyway, I’d also consider clearance for mud and debris too.