Which one is "best" for that width of rim? There's both a weight and cost saving by going with the 2.3s but would the 2.5 width just fit a lot better on a 30mm internal rim width?
Any one running either of these on these width rims?
Ive got a 2.3 DHFII on i29 x 29 rim
id go for the 2.5,
im missing my 2.4 shorty & hr2s on my old bike
Yeah, get the 2.5in unless you're doing XC kind of rides.
2.5 would be better, particularly if it's going on the front.
DHFs are 'old skool' maxxis sizing, which means they come up small.
I'm running the 2.5 on a 30mm IW rim and it's only slightly bigger than a schwalbe MK2 Nobby Nic 2.35 on the rear. If I was buying again, the WT version would be a bit better I think.
This isn't totally the answer to your question, but I think it's more about the actual tyre than the rim width here. (I have mine on 24mm and 29mm rims and was happy with all combos). I like the 2.5 more than the 2.3 but it's not really a straight comparison, they work pretty differently despite the name. The 2.5 has a massive, glommed on feeling from its volume as much as width, I run it pretty soft and it's very monstertrucky, the 2.3 doesn't do the same- it's still grippy but it's got more cut and stability, less suction. With more pressure the 2.5 doesn't work as well I think, its drawbacks of drag and weight are still there but it's got less advantage.
I've a feeling the 2.3 is <better>, I just don't care about that, the 2.5 works well for me. I like volume (my other bike has 4.8 minions) so when I want a faster tyre than the 2.5 dhf I use a 2.4 dhr2 on the front.
Eh, worth adding that I'm a solid but not great rider, I really like unflappableness in a tyre where better riders probably want more cut and stability etc, certainly a really fast rider wouldn't run it as soft as me.
Got a 29x2.3 DHF on an XM481 30mm internal rim. Edges sit pretty high up on that rim. Would love to try a 2.5 WT on it.
Have run both on ethirteen (older) trs+ 28mm rims. As Northwind has said, there’s more to it than width. Significantly more volume with the 2.5WT and the tread pattern is scaled up with bigger, higher knobs with a little more spacing between them. I too love the big volume monster truck feel with lower pressure option....i’m off them at the moment and the bike feels a bit harsh being back on the 2.3’s and a 26mm backup wheel set while my bigger rims are out of action for a warranty repair. The 2.5WTs may not be as fast on flats/climbs but they are are far more grin inducing on hairy descents!! The extra volume feels like a suspension upgrade too.
The 2.5 is the one to get. The 2.3 is almost cyclocross
get 2.5, otherwise why have 30mm rims...?
I've just fitted a 2.5 Minion DHF 3C to the front and so far I'm very impressed, it measures exactly 2.5 inches at the side blocks and has a very nice shape to it. It fits in the non boost Pike and with a RideGuard there is enough clearance. 90% of my ride it was fine, but when I hit the drying mud (aka clay) it clogged up pretty quickly and became incredibly heavy, it soon cleared when the trail dried out a bit.
Just waiting for a dual compound 2.4 DHR for the rear to see how that rides. My plan is to try that along with a dual DHF and a 2.5 Aggressor to see which combo works best.
Running the DHR on the rear and I have to say I don't feel any more rolling resistance than the 2.3 Purgatory that was fitted (perhaps that was due to that tire being so flatted out by the 30mm rim) but it has so much more grip.
Had a ride in the Chilterns yesterday that started dry and ended very wet, and I didn't have any issue with grip at all.
2.5WT all the way, I've got one on my 27mm race face rim and it's a decent size bigger than the 2.3.
I’m running the 2.5 on a 30mm IW rim and it’s only slightly bigger than a schwalbe MK2 Nobby Nic 2.35 on the rear. If I was buying again, the WT version would be a bit better I think.
That's interesting, would you mind measuring the 2.35 schwalbe? One bike I'm considering has 2.35 fat alberts front and rear and I'd want to move to a 2.5 tyre but there doesn't look to be a huge amount of clearance for the rear wheel - the front certainly looked slimmer than my 2.5WT DHF when riding but if there's only a few mm width difference the 2.5WT maxxis should fit without too much issue.
Oh this thread is very timely, I'm considering a new set of wheels and weighing up which rim ID(25vs30) to try and cover as many possibilities. I'm currently on 25mm ID and have yet to experiment with anything other than 2.3 tires.
Interesting reading the responses, I'm still none the wiser mind.
Go for 30mm internal width, that means you can run anything from 2.2 to 2.6, probably even 2.8. Semi plus tyres are brilliant, so much grip.
I am definitely favouring the move to a 30mm id rim, it does seem to be the new standard*. It is a concern that as my only bike I run it all through winter, the larger volume tires may collect mud and the 30mm may square/flatten off 2.3 tires.
Does seem that most new bikes come with rims >25mm
Has anyone seen the DHF 29 x 2.5 for sale recently? Stock seems very low around the web.
Got a 29×2.3 DHF on an XM481 30mm internal rim. Edges sit pretty high up on that rim. Would love to try a 2.5 WT on it.
I've just put a 2.5 WT onto a 27.5 XM481 30mm to replace a 2.3 and it was a revelation. The 2.5 is a far better tyre from my perspective, seems to be welded to the ground whereas the 2.3 seemed to ping around a bit over roots and rocks in particular, the 2.5 just rails everything so far, very happy.
Seems to roll nicely enough too, not noticeably draggier than the 2.3, in-fact it possibly rolls better thanks to the lower pressure.
#EDIT : 29x2.5 in stock here - http://nextday.bike/details.aspx/TB96785000-29-Maxxis-MinionDHF-23/295
The 2.5 is the one to get. The 2.3 is almost cyclocross
I know now that standard sized tyres are no longer the in thing, but that’s one of the weirdest statements I’ve read in a while. Just got back from a Peaks ride om my oh so skinny 2.3 Minions. Just as good as they’ve always been.
Just started running DHF 2.5 front and 2.3 on the rear of my FS bike. The 2.5 is like a different tyre - the shapes and pattern are the same but the knob sizes are streets apart. I am only running them on WTB i23 rims as I have limited space on the rear (Whyte T129RS) and I find the 2.5 a seriously good tyre - had been runnning a Magic mary before - in proper mud MM is better but on everything else the 2.5 DHF is a winner. And quick. The 2.3 is a good tyre, but IMO 2.5 is great tyre! Though not sure what the difference is between 2.5 and new 2.6........
Are opinions still the same on the 2.5 over the 2.3 front tyre DHF I’ll be running on 27.5 on 28mm rims , seen these for £36 as opposed £60 on crc for 2.3s
been riding the 2.3 DHF on 30mm rims for nearly a year on 29er hardtail and short travel
And they have been great
yes & where are they £36?
I would reference this post above:
This isn’t totally the answer to your question, but I think it’s more about the actual tyre than the rim width here. (I have mine on 24mm and 29mm rims and was happy with all combos). I like the 2.5 more than the 2.3 but it’s not really a straight comparison, they work pretty differently despite the name. The 2.5 has a massive, glommed on feeling from its volume as much as width, I run it pretty soft and it’s very monstertrucky, the 2.3 doesn’t do the same- it’s still grippy but it’s got more cut and stability, less suction. With more pressure the 2.5 doesn’t work as well I think, its drawbacks of drag and weight are still there but it’s got less advantage.
The 2.5 is a massive tyre. It's also bloody heavy & significantly more draggy than the 2.3. It feels more like an old DH tyre than trail/enduro. I certainly don't want to run them on my shorter travel bike, they totally mute the ride to me. I'm quite happy to ride/race on the 2.3's, and will happily substitute some grip for a faster, more lively feel.
Running on 30mm ID rims.
I can help with this!
I have used:
Old 2.5 on 25mm and 30mm
New 2.5WT on 30mm
2.3 on 25mm and 30mm.
My thoughts...2.5WT is bigger than old 2.5, on a 30mm the profile and knobble placement is spot on. Use that on the front.
The 2.3 does get flattened out on a 30mm rim, still perfectly usable though. Does a 2.3WT exist? 2.3 on the rear works for me, not that I have space for a 2.5.
Also, I have 2.3 Minion SS mounted up on the 25mm rim and the profile is as you would want it to be. Flattening out a DHF is less of an issue compared to the SS due to the tread pattern.
The WT tyres work well… trust Maxxis and use them over the non-WT on wide rims.
I use a 2.5WT DHF on a hardtail (my only bike) and have tried various combos over the years but with a 30mm rim it’s hard to fault. Slightly heavier but with a fast rolling rear it’s good for 90% of the year.
I have 2.5wt DHF front and 2.4wt DHR rear on 30mm rims having previously had the same combo in 2.3. Given the choice and suitable clearance I'd pick the WT versions as much for the scaled up tread as the volume.
Thanks guys £41 on tredz less £5 pop up code
interesting hobnob I think I may feel the same
2.3 has been spot on , I’ve bought a /.5 and will test it for a few weeks and likely change it back for boltby bash mid May
Recent chat with Chris Porter, who is also an advocate of narrow rims, citing that after quite a bit of testing, narrower is better, although there is a trade off as you can't buy narrow/tough 29/27.5 rims!
I'm currently on 30mm DT's, will be going back to 25mm EX471's. I have a pair of arches and prefer the way the bike handles with a narrower rim. Bit more compliance (frame is full carbon and quite stiff).
Its all dependent on the tyre though. We started selling the AM9 with only 25mm rims because given the 29er tyre choice at the time they were faster, stronger and lighter. However that was a deeply unpopular choice on our part with many people! Now we see more and more 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 options, all of which are designed to run 30+ rims and so eliminate most of the downsides from oversizing rims. I personally run 2.6 on 40mm rims on my 27.5 and while I have given up some characteristics I like (they are for example relatively quite heavy), it is a very versatile option thats extremely quick on fireroads etc. which make up probably 50% of the distance I ride, retains a proper profile but doesn't have that nasty self steer you get on plus tyres, so all in all I like that combo. Horses for courses...
You have to be careful with Porter's views. As a race minded individual his only metric of 'better' is speed.
For us mere mortals, other factors are at play, like slow speed grip, comfort, etc...
As a race minded individual his only metric of ‘better’ is speed.
Its a perfect metric though, rather than the bike industry inventing some new standard or widget with no real data or testing to back it up.
I rode a Megatower at the weekend, fitted with a set of wide reserve wheels. Horrible, far too stiff, bike fidgeted all over the place, felt harsh and too much noise though the pedals/bars to work out what the tyre was doing. A set of cheap Arch S1's would of been a big improvement!
I'm just picking up on this thread and wondering if opinions have changed.
I have been running a 29 2.5" DHF Exo MG up front on a Flow MK3 (29ID IIRC) and don't like the "drift" zone between the centre and edge knobs. I have since changed to a Assegai DH casing which seems a lot better but is heavy at 1300+ grams.
Previously I have run 2.3" DHR2 Exo MTs on the same rims. The 2.3 feel a lot quicker and the bike feels more lively than the 2.5s and possibly faster. Also I don't remember the 2.3 having the same "drift" zone as the 2.5 as the knobs are closer. Also it is quicker to get onto the edge knobs.