XC racing tire width

[LazyTrailRider]

I'm investing in a pair of pre-exchange-rate-plummet Kenda Small Block Eights, before the new expensive stock arrives. Aimed for a set of 2.1s, and rummaged around my LBS (where I get the pricing and discount mentioned above). Unfortunately, I could only find one 2.1... But sets of 1.95 and 2.35 are available.

 

Now, let's say that hypothetically you were (ahem) aiming to compete in elite XC next year, would you tolerate a 2.35? Here's the thing: with the SB8's low rolling resistance, I'm thinking that going for 2.35 might not be a bad idea. I weigh 69kg and ride a hardtail with 80mm fork, so the extra bounce would be welcome. The teeth-jarring thought of 1.95 just doesn't appeal to me, even though my current Hutchinson Piranha Airlights are 2.0. 

 

What do the fellow race-snake types think? Would you race a set of fat smoothies?

[singletrackmind]

Nope, id still take the 1.95 but then again i only weigh 55kgs

[Thug]

The 2.35 is an All Mountain tyre as opposed to a XC. Nothing wrong with using it but you might have clearance issues (between the top of the tyre and your fork's arch). I had 2.2's on my SC and eventually went back to 2.0 width due to mud build-up.

 

[niterider]

Put the 2.1 on the front and 1.95 at the rear.

[LazyTrailRider]

Put the 2.1 on the front and 1.95 at the rear.

 

I was considering that, not a bad idea... but I like to swop front/rear around periodically to get maximum life, which would not work too well.

[LazyTrailRider]

The 2.35 is an All Mountain tyre as opposed to a XC. Nothing wrong with using it but you might have clearance issues (between the top of the tyre and your fork's arch). I had 2.2's on my SC and eventually went back to 2.0 width due to mud build-up.

 

Yeah, 2.35 wouldn't usually be classified as XC of course :-) I'm just trying to think outside the box to see if the fact that they roll so smoothly and soak up a lot more could possibly be a good thing for flat-out XC racing. Heck, just because a few fast guys run skinny tires and wear bobby socks doesn't mean speed can't come from somewhere else too!

[WillemT]

I'll never ride a sb8 again!! did it once in wet weather and it was an absolute night mare!!! its like a slick!!not even my completly worn down larsen TT is that bad!! If the ground is damp or dry then it's not too bad though... but don't ride it in mud, you'll have absolutly no traction!

 

think i'll stay with my 2.0 but the 2.1 or 2.2 will probably carry 100kgs a little bit better!