18" Vs. 20" Tires...Trails & All-Around .....

[Banshee0028]

Ok, already searched and found a few suggestions, but still not sure what to get...

 

I hear most recommend 18" tires for MX, which is what I am running now...18" Tamers, on ITP beadlocks. I am also geard 17/40 with the 18's....

 

However, for trail riding I was thinking of using either 20" Knarly's or Klaw's....and drop the gearing to a 16\40...Possibly a 15\40...OR 18" Kenda's with either 17\40 or 16\40 gearing.......I have a mild MX port (unitl I get a gor port this summer), and most other basic mods....

 

I have used the gearing calc alot, but have not seen too many posts on the weight\unsprung weight of the wheels (18 vs 20)...I guess it does not make much of a difference on the shee??

 

I ride mostly trails, some sand (have paddles for that if needed), and now some MX also....( I can also keep my TT if I need to for MX)...I have a nice Skid for the swingarm, so even with the 18's, I dont hit it too much on the trails.....

 

Would an 18" or 20" be the best tire setup if clearance is not an issue, and I gear accordingly.....

[Banshee17Racing]

It sounds like you pretty much have it figured out. It's basically a preference if clearance isn't an issue. I've got 18's for MX and 20's for fields, and trails. There's no way I could make it through some of my trails on 18's without getting stuck.

Personally, I would look into getting 20" Kenda Knarly's for trails, and then have the 18" Tamer's for MX. Unless you're not happy with the way the TT's are performing now, I wouldn't worry about getting another 18" tire until they need replaced. Just my .02.

 

It's also you're preference on gearing, but to me you sound to be geared pretty high for a mild MX port. I've had a Gorr MX/Woods port for about a year now and I'm still running 15/41 gearing with the 18's and 20's. I can tell a difference between the two tires, but all I'm worried about is the gearing for the 18's (for the track). Like I said before, if you're happy with the way it is, don't touch it.

[Banshee0028]

It's also you're preference on gearing, but to me you sound to be geared pretty high for a mild MX port. I've had a Gorr MX/Woods port for about a year now and I'm still running 15/41 gearing with the 18's and 20's. I can tell a difference between the two tires, but all I'm worried about is the gearing for the 18's (for the track). Like I said before, if you're happy with the way it is, don't touch it.

444500[/snapback]

It actually runs pretty good with this gearing, and does not bog in any gear...But prob cause the TT's spin soo, soo friggin much I dont get good traction

 

This is one reason why I want to change tires......but yea if I go with 20's I will try either a 15 or 16\40 to see which one works better....Prob a 15 for now and a 16 with the new Gorr port and top end next season

[Banshee17Racing]

What gearing are you running in sand? You're positive your motor's just a mild MX port? It sounds pretty damn strong to be spinnin' the tires through most of the gears with a 17 tooth! But I've never tried running a 17 tooth...

[Banshee0028]

What gearing are you running in sand?  You're positive your motor's just a mild MX port? It sounds pretty damn strong to be spinnin' the tires through most of the gears with a 17 tooth!   But I've never tried running a 17 tooth...

444503[/snapback]

I looked at the ports and they are really cleaned up but not "cut open" too much at all...So yea looks like a mild port....I would not say they spin that much in 4-6 in sand....in fact in heavy sand, I have to be pinned in 5th to get strong pull in 6th...But then again, I need a top end rebuild soon so thats prob part of the reason...And the reason for the top-end rebuild and new Gorr port next summer...