19" Rear wheel tire options

[rpduc]

I've got an "05 MC that I intend to ride in the woods, maybe some hare scrambles, enduro and from my perusing it looks like the 18" wheel is preferred. I have a 19" on there now but can switch to the 18" if you guys can convince me that it's necessary.

I understand the theoretical concern over pinch flats. Any other points pro or con?

How about tire selection/availability for the 19" rim?

[Nick]

The 19 being low profile provides a little more feedback of the terrain. For myself i prefer that little extra suspension the 18 provides to help eliminate some fatigue. I'm old and outa shape so i need all the help i can get. Tire selection is good either way.

[gasser]

I disagree that tire selection is good in the 19 inch size. Did you ever try to find a 19 inch trials tire?

[rpduc]

Did you ever try to find a 19 inch trials tire?

That's exactly what I was wondering about...

I've seen talk of trials tires, but what conditions are people running trials tires in? Seems like the application would be for hard and rocky, but I'll confess ignorance on the subject.

Not much came up for me in a search.

[GMP]

rpduc,

Go with the 18" for off road. There is no such thing as a 19" radial trials tire, because all trials bikes run 18". The trials tires are great for rocks, and fine for most conditions. Knobbys better in sand and nice dirt where you can corner more aggressive. Basically you can't lay the bike over as far with a trials tire, as it will break loose more abruptly, but the traction, especially over obstacles is outstanding. You just have to evaluate your terrain. Moose HD tube in either and your fine. The point Nick makes about cusion is even more apparent with the trials tire, it takes the "sting" out of long rock rides and you feel less beat up at the end of the day regardless of suspension work. Also, they will last for a year of trailriding if you ride smooth.