Tire size question

[liv2day]

Been thinking about running one of the hybrid trials tires on my GG200 and I'm not sure on the sizing piece.

The Kenda hybrid is listed with "odd" measurements - 4.50x18.

I did some digging and it appears this would be akin to 120/100x18 - does anyone know if this is accurate.

I'm currently running a 110/100x18 Maxxis IT and it's a bit tall (granted, I messed up when replacing chain/sprockets and my chain is a bit too short ).

If the 120/100x18 conversion is right, I should be ok...but I'd appreciate any input.

 

[memphis2857]

The Kenda equilibrium is a really tall tire. That being said it is an amazing tire. I have the 19" variant on my 450 and it is great for slower trail riding. It will make you feel like a hero! It's weakness is higher speeds and braking at higher speeds.

Quick story: 2 of my riding buddies having matching yz250x's. One of them was running the Kenda and the other an AT81. We have this hill that can be very tough when it's a little wet out and we were all playing on it one day. The AT81 bike must have tried 50 times and couldn't get up the hill, the dirt was just too slick. Guy with Kenda went up it first try without any issues. So after a bit they switched bikes and wouldn't you know the bike with at81 still couldn't get up it and the Kenda went up first shot.

It is amazing how well these things work, even in slick muddy conditions.


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[liv2day]

The Kenda equilibrium is a really tall tire. That being said it is an amazing tire. I have the 19" variant on my 450 and it is great for slower trail riding. It will make you feel like a hero! It's weakness is higher speeds and braking at higher speeds.

Thanks for the input memphis! All of the guys I was riding with last weekend were on trials tires and I was on a badly chewed knob - definitely struggled with some of the root steps and other sections.

So, do you think the 100 measurement is accurate as far as tire height? I'm not worried about the width as the stock tire was a 140, so that'll fit. But, if it's much taller than 100, I'll likely have to go with a different tire or add a master link to my chain...lol.

 

[memphis2857]

Yeah I would say it's pretty accurate.


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[TheLetterJ]

If they measure true to size, a 120/100/18 would be 27.4" tall while a 110/100/18 would be 26.7" tall... so expect the 4.50 to be almost 3/4" taller than your current tire. The second number is an aspect ratio compared to width, not a measured height.

I just noticed that the Equilibrium is now DOT approved too!

 

[pscook]

If they measure true to size, a 120/100/18 would be 27.4" tall while a 110/100/18 would be 26.7" tall... so expect the 4.50 to be almost 3/4" taller than your current tire. The second number is an aspect ratio compared to width, not a measured height.

I just noticed that the Equilibrium is now DOT approved too!

And to further the pedantic discussion, 3/4" of height is 3/8" diameter. If you are already close, with a short chain and worn knobby, you might want to invest in another master link to stretch the chain a bit. If having a second master link concerns you, get a rivet style master so you don't have to worry about the clip.

 

[liv2day]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the input & feedback. I'm not overly worried about running with 2 master links, can get a rivet link and go that route.

 

[pscook]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the input & feedback. I'm not overly worried about running with 2 master links, can get a rivet link and go that route.

Good to hear. There are those who worry about having two weak spots, but each master link is just as strong as the rest of the links, and it won't fail any sooner or easier.

And to further the pedantic discussion, 3/4" of height is 3/8" diameter. If you are already close, with a short chain and worn knobby, you might want to invest in another master link to stretch the chain a bit. If having a second master link concerns you, get a rivet style master so you don't have to worry about the clip.

Speaking of pedantic, I can't believe no one called me out on this. It's 3/8" increase in radius, not diameter. Sheesh, amateur!

 

[memphis2857]

I just noticed that the Equilibrium is now DOT approved too!

You couldn't pay me to go down the road on one of these tires unless it had about 15lbs of air in it. The sidewall is super soft and the tire has a lot of side to side movement. All of us have been running them with tubliss at about 4-5 psi in the woods and they work great at slow speeds.



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[hadfield4wd]

I run my MT 43 down the road at 8psi. Yes you feel it and it heats up. Just ride and corner accordingly.

 

[GasGasDreamer]

I run my MT 43 down the road at 8psi. Yes you feel it and it heats up. Just ride and corner accordingly.

fwiw....Pirelli mt43 has the thickest sidewall of any trials tire. that makes it not so good for trials but better for enduros. ive ridden both Michelin and Pirelli flat and the mt43 is much better flat too. now I use tubliss so no more flats from low psi