I have Bontrager Line Pro 30 rims, 29mm inner width, 29'r size.
I ordered Maxxis DHF 29x2.5 / received Maxxis DHF 29x2.5WT for front (when ordering, Jenson assured me it was NOT the WT version, but what I received IS WT)
I ordered/received Maxxis DHR II 29x2.3 for rear. (non WT)
My understanding is the WT tires are optimized for rims 30 to 35 mm wide, while the non-WT tires are optimal for narrower rims. WT Optimization for wider rims consists of greater spacing between outer and inner knobs, which compensates for the tendency of a wider rim to result in a square shoulder, resulting in WT tires on wide rims having approximately the same lean angle as the non WT tires on narrower rims. I visually confirmed the DHF WT does have much greater spacing than the DHR II non-WT, about 1/4" to 3/8" more.
Because my 29mm width rims fall right on the cusp of using either version, it would seem this would not be a big deal, BUT, I am thinking that running a WT front and non-WT rear tire on middle of the road rims means the spacing on the WT will be maximized (29mm rims might cause a WT to balloon more), while the spacing on the non-WT tire will be minimized (29mm rims may cause a non-WT tire to have a squarish shoulder), resulting in the greatest possible difference in lean angle between front and rear. In other words, when the bike is leaned enough to get the side knobs on the front gripping, the back may be approaching wash-out.
Should I exchange the front DHF 29x2.5 WT for a DHF 29x2.3 to get the maximum benefit from these tires, or are these differences really noise in the greater scheme of things?
If it matters, my riding area is ungroomed, rocky and rooty state park trails more intended for hikers and horses than bikes. There are NO bermed corners, so flat cornering is important.
Thanks!
Shawn
I ordered Maxxis DHF 29x2.5 / received Maxxis DHF 29x2.5WT for front (when ordering, Jenson assured me it was NOT the WT version, but what I received IS WT)
I ordered/received Maxxis DHR II 29x2.3 for rear. (non WT)
My understanding is the WT tires are optimized for rims 30 to 35 mm wide, while the non-WT tires are optimal for narrower rims. WT Optimization for wider rims consists of greater spacing between outer and inner knobs, which compensates for the tendency of a wider rim to result in a square shoulder, resulting in WT tires on wide rims having approximately the same lean angle as the non WT tires on narrower rims. I visually confirmed the DHF WT does have much greater spacing than the DHR II non-WT, about 1/4" to 3/8" more.
Because my 29mm width rims fall right on the cusp of using either version, it would seem this would not be a big deal, BUT, I am thinking that running a WT front and non-WT rear tire on middle of the road rims means the spacing on the WT will be maximized (29mm rims might cause a WT to balloon more), while the spacing on the non-WT tire will be minimized (29mm rims may cause a non-WT tire to have a squarish shoulder), resulting in the greatest possible difference in lean angle between front and rear. In other words, when the bike is leaned enough to get the side knobs on the front gripping, the back may be approaching wash-out.
Should I exchange the front DHF 29x2.5 WT for a DHF 29x2.3 to get the maximum benefit from these tires, or are these differences really noise in the greater scheme of things?
If it matters, my riding area is ungroomed, rocky and rooty state park trails more intended for hikers and horses than bikes. There are NO bermed corners, so flat cornering is important.
Thanks!
Shawn
29 x 2.5 WT 3C MaxxGrip would be the perfect front tire. I had one on my 27.5 bike and now I can't have it anymore... 
