190/197 where we going?

qclabrat

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
will the 190/197 format eventually kill off the 170s?
I realize 190 gets you bigger tires but next year will we be seeing 6" tires? the new Showshoes are getting pretty massive already

Those that are still on 4" are you lusting for bigger?
 
It's hard to say, but my guess is that 170 will be around for a while. Fat bikes are more mainstream now, but how many are used for their extreme intended purpose - flotation on snow, sand or other soft surface? Those applications require larger tires for flotation. If you are mainly trail riding it seems that the 4 to 5" range is more than adequate. Consider the expanding offering of 650B+ and 29+ sizes that seems to be hitting the spot for tire sizes in the mid fat range for mountain biking.

I'm currently on Fat B Nimbles on one bike and Vanhelga's on the other and don't feel the need for bigger until the white stuff comes. Plenty of traction at a decent weight.

Also, as you get wider on the rear hub you will need to consider the bottom bracket and crankset q factor for proper alignment, tire clearance and shifting.
 
I used to love the 5" tires but have come to be a bigger fan of the 4" tires for their speed and handling (not to mention weight). I do miss the 5's in the deep white stuff (6" +), but at that point it is a slow drudge no matter what you are riding (unless it is really dry snow).

If they made a tire bigger than the current 5.05's, which look big, I would want a separate bike to use them on, not so sure how much I would ride it though.

Currently I am on the 170/177mm, and do not plan on changing.
 
I can use a 4.8" tire on a 80'm rim with my 177mm. Currently I use a 4" tire on a 65mm rim, that seems to be sweet spot as far as handling, traction and float on my bike.
I think it will come down to what you want your fat bike to do. Mine is an all year bike and since it is full suspension, I don't need the extra cush of super wide tires.

Come snow time, I'll just throw on 4.8"

I think 177 might kill of 197 for everything except pure snow bikes. It seems like fats are becoming more main stream, year round bike. I think we will see more full suspension bike in the future
 
I prefer the 190/197 set-up as it gives you the best of both worlds. My Fatboy is 23 pounds in Summer mode with 65mm rims and 4" tires and then has the ability to run 100mm rims and 5" tires if needed. 1 bike, all conditions. I had a 170 9:ZERO:7 and FatBack and they just didn't cut the mustard. So at this point I'd say do a 190 unless you only plan on riding when it's nice out.
 
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