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So all things being equal what impact does tyre width have for winter riding, lets think trail centre type riding.
Normally I'd ride a 2.1, but I'm thinking for the winter season I might go up to a 2.25. How much (if any) effect would that have?
If we're talking same tyre, compound, tread, pressure, bike, terrain and conditions, not enough to be worth swapping I'd say.
Tail centers are generally built to drain well, so no real difference over summer riding really.
Little/no effect on trail centre riding IMO other than being more draggy and weighty. Off-piste however, it's a different story.
it would be normal to go narrower in the winter to cut through the mud. trail centres though don't really need a winter tyre.
if it's partiually rocky - it *may* be worth gettting a softer tyre for grip on wet rock - although places like afan - with lots of traffic - seem to have rubbery rocks on the line - the rocks grip amazingly well in the wet.
Good replies, enlightening.
So how far away from trail centers do we have to stray before the extra width becomes a real benefit? In fact what are the benefits?
Not sure about trail centres but comparing Lordswood with Swinley
Lordswood - Skinny front tyre cuts through the mud so I can steer and is less draggy on the firmer stuff.
Swinley - Same skinny tyre was skipping and sliding about on the horrible yellow trail protection they put down. Next weekend with a normal width tyre the front end stayed in place much better.
My non-scientific conclusions:
Muddy and boggy terrain used skinny tyres.
Stoney or 'part surfaced' terrain use big tyres.
Intermediate stuff doesn't seem to matter which tyres you use.
2.1 tops for me... but I do nearly all XC, if I wasnt doing too much pedalling and lots of DH then bigger.