Fat Mountain Bike Tires Vs. Skinny

Knowing which mountain bike tire width to use on your bike will improve the quality of your ride in most conditions, from rock gardens to mud.

  1. Tire width

    • Mountain bike tires are made in varying widths, from ultra thin to mega thick. The measurement of a thin tire is generally around 1.8 inches, while a thick tire can measure as much as 3 inches wide.

    Thin vs wide

    • On muddy trails, thin mountain bike tires slide through the mud quickerand grab the harder ground below more efficiently, providing a better grip. Narrow tires also create less rolling friction, which makes for higher speeds. Wide tires are best on hard-surface trails. Such tires grab better by virtue of the additional rubber between the rider and the trail. Cornering is improved with such tire width as well. Speed, however, is compromised because there is more rolling friction.

    Experiment

    • The general rules that pertain to tire width and trail surface are not hard and fast. By test-riding both types of tires in different situations, the cyclist can find the tires that "feel" most comfortable.

    Find size

    • Most mountain bikes are outfitted with tires that are 26 inches in diameter. The number on the side of the tire indicate the size. The first number denotes the tire's diameter. The number beside it is the width.

    Purchasing

    • Local bike shops are offer face-to-face expertise from professionals versed in mountain bike components, while online retail shops often provide a wider selection.