Tyre Combinations

Liono · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

My rear tyre is on its way out, so I need a replacement fairly soon. Now, I've been told not to mix tyres, but to what extent does this apply? I have a set of Bridgestone BT020s on at the moment, but was wondering if a BT010 would go on the back OK? Is mixing tyres just one of those things you shouldn't really do, or will very bad things happen if I do it? The reason I ask is that I've seen a cheap 010, and the budget is my main concern at the moment!

mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Who told you?? whoever it was is talking bollocks.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

For best results do not mix tyres, but generally they will be OK.

A lot of people mix the BT010 and the BT020, but normally with the 010 on the front (it is a stickier tyre, and you would rather loose the back than the front).

All the best

Keith
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mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Bottom line is that it's recommended to use the same brand and types on both front and rear. There is nothing wrong with mixing, it's down to your personal taste.

Scooby · Scrappy Doo Joined: 26 Mar 2002 Karma :

Stick with designated pairs if you can. Like Keith says though you want a slightly stickier front than rear if it comes to it though, not the other way round. There are some tried and tested combinations that work, i.e. 010 F and 020 R, but unless it's a tried and tested combination by many bikers I wouldn't like to be the one that is the guinea pig. Get a pair of 014's on it Very Happy

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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

pete-dotphp · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Karma :

Personally I find the idea that mismatching your tyres will have adverse affects as overrated. I've been running a Michelin Battleax front with Bridgestone BT45 rear on my GS for the last 10,000 miles with no bother. New tyres that haven't been broken in, incorrect tyre pressures or badly worn rubber will have much worse affects on your handling. As long as the sizes and intended useage are the same as spec, you should be fine.

Of course, I am assuming you haven't completely mismatched your tyres, like fitting a tyre 2 sizes too big on the front and a Cheng-Shin from a CG125 on the back Wink

Edit: the 010 is more of a sports tyre so might be a false economy, if you're concerned with budget a 020 might be a better idea as you'll probably get more miles out of it.

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Karma :

strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

I had the 010/020 combi on my bike, did a track day etc, and know loads of people that do. No problems.
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pete-dotphp · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Karma :

scottiel · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Karma :

What type of bike do you have. if you have sports bike i would keep a matchin pair on, but if you have to mix the 010 would be better on the front as it is stickier. Very Happy

Liono · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Cheers for the advice, my main concern was budget. Well, actually, my main concern was my girlfriend telling me off for spending even more money on my bike! I've actually decided to spend a little extra and get an 020 for the rear again rather than the 010, as I've found them to be a bit cheaper than I thought they were going to be anyway.

Dr Nick · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Karma :

Im BT010 front and D207 rear, had to sign a disclaimer thing at the tyre place Laughing

and he told me about 50 times that it would messup handling. The 010 front is newish and i didnt want another shitty bridgestone that would last 1000~ miles Thumbs Down

, feel a lot more confident on the 207's too.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Villers · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Karma :

My BT014 is on its way out after the winter commuting. It went on in october\november and has done about 3000 miles. Im prepared to put up with that for the level of grip it gives and the confidence it inspires. A mixed pair of 010's and 020's doesnt sound so bad. Its prob when theres a noticeable difference in the level of grip bewteen front and back that I would worry. As well as two tyres that warm up at differing rates.