MTB Tires Vs. Moto Tires

[RonnieBrowen2106]

For my next build I will be using an enduro frame from Alibaba. It is similar to the stealth in some ways. Several other users have used this frame. It weighs about 100-120 Lbs. when fully assembled with battery, motor, and other accesories for the bike only. I was wondering if I should use 26X2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 inch mountain bike tires like Crazy Bob, Maxxis Hookworm, etc. or use 19X2.85 Moto tires like Shinko SR 244. They are very close in price. I thought I would ask the Pros on this one. Please let me know if you need more info. Thank you for your help.

 

[MadRhino]

I suppose that your choice of frame does mean that you value simplicity and economy, over performance. Motorcycle rims and tires are heavy but they are making wheel maintenance cheap and easy. Their weight is making for important loss of performance in acceleration and braking, it is the price to pay for puncture resistance and low maintenance.

Some say safety is a factor but it is only for those who neglect their wheel maintenance and tire replacement. Bicycle tires have a very short life compared to motorcycle tires, and their thin construction makes them dangerous to ride when worn out. Yet, a new DH racing tire does grip better than a new motorcycle tire, simply because DH tires are available softer gum and more flexible construction.

 

[atarijedi]

Im only using a moto rim on the rear, because the power of the hub motor. I bought a 17x1.6" rim, and spokes (for QS205 motor) from Holmes Hobbies and am putting a 17x3" Shinko 241 tire on it.

On the front I am using a MTB setup, 26x2.25" MTX33 rim with a Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB tire, I was looking at the Crazy Bob tires, but reviews stated they had poor wet weather performance. The Marathons have decent enought low rolling resistance and some good lugs for offroad performance. Got spokes from SpokeService and a Denzel hub from eastgem, their hub is for 20mm axles.

I just hope I got all the measurements right for the spokes, lol.

 

[Chalo]

From a bicyclist's perspective, moto wheels and tires are almost unbelievably heavy and slow. I can't imagine ever wanting to accept the performance hit that comes with them, nor the weight and expense of all the additional electric power it takes to compensate. But the same applies to the suitcase style frame you've chosen.