[paddlepedal]

Hey all,

I have a '09 Gary Fisher Piranha hardtail with the small (15.5") frame size. Current tires are what came with it: Bontrager Jones XR 2.25 front and 2.2 rear. Suffice it to say that these tires probably have their high points, but not for my riding style and certainly not the trail conditions here in MA. I would like to officially swear them off before I get thrown from the bike (again). My riding confidence has definitely been better...

I am looking at going with the Kenda Excavator DTCs and am wondering if anyone has been able to fit a 2.35 rear inside the GF G2 frame. The current rear tire-to-frame clearance is pretty tight down by the bottom bracket. Obviously frame sizes play into this as well as variations in actual tire dimensions. I have no problem throwing the 2.35 in front and 2.1 in back, but it seems more meat on the drive wheel would probably be beneficial.

So my two questions are: is the 2.35 Excavator going to fit out back, and will I suffer much if I have to use a 2.1 in the rear instead?

Thanks,

-Dom

 

[Squash]

Most likely not....

the Pirahna comes with about the biggest tire you can fit between the stays. Kenda tires are known for being true to size if not a bit bigger. Many of their 2.3s measure closer to 2.4. With that said, you likely won't suffer with the 2.1 in the rear and you'd be reasonably sure that it would fit as well.

Also you will likely be at that maximum recommended tire size for your fork if it's the stock fork. You'll need to check your tire to crown clearance. To do this, install the wheel/tire at your desired inflation pressure. Pull the top cap on the spring side, or completely deflate if it's an air sprung fork. Fully compress the fork and measure to be certain that there is at least 6mm of clearance between the bottom of the crown and the top of the tire with the Rock Shox Tora fork, or at least 5mm of clearance if you have the older Pirahna with the Manitou fork. If you don't have at least that much clearance the bottom of the crown could make contact with the top fo the tire should the fork compress fully when you are riding. This would make for a tremendous endo that would likely leave you in a hurting status. Better to be safe than sorry.

Bottom line is, the 2.3 Excavator likely wouldn't fit in the rear. I wouldn't recommend it unless you can actually fit the tire to the bike before you buy it. And I'd be very cautious with it in the front. It'll likely fit fine up front, but you will want to double check it to be safe.

Good Dirt

 

[paddlepedal]

Squash,

THANKS for your reply, I appreciate all of the info and advice. Someone on here should be paying you man...

I ended up ordering the 2.1 for the rear and 2.35 for the front. I'll triple-check the front with the fork bottomed out like you said, and if it doesn't fit I can always order the smaller one. I'm sure the shop won't have an issue selling the 2.35 to someone else.

Again thanks for the help.

 

[murtaghstyle]

I was looking at a conti mountain king 2.4. Anyone running these on the G2 hardtails? Or am I going to have to downsize to the 2.2?

 

[jfaust97]

Very late to the party here... but I've got an update. I was able to get a set of 29 x 2.6 Maxxis Ikon on my 2009 Gary Fisher Rig. I had to re-dish the rear wheel but there is plenty of clearance. Front fits great with the stock Fox fork.