Plus Size Tyres | Did The Bike Industry Get It Wrong?

[@Espen_Danielsen]

Being a heavy rider (120kg) getting plus size is the best choice I ever did on a bike. I also got a couple of inlays (cushcore pro) to prevent snakebites and I'm now comfortable running 27.5x2.8 @ 20 psi with no problem. Haven't had a puncture in 11 months running this setup, and I'm loving it. Well worth the extra cost for plus and CushCore! It may however be a bit on the heavy side for a lighter rider, and is definitely not what you want on a low weight bike... But on an e-bike it is perfect for me! :)

[@Full-Tonk]

I think the plus size tyres are great for a hardtail. I hardly miss rear suspension. They also look cool. I think it depends on what you expect out of an electric bike. Personally I want the closest thing to a motorbike but if you are a pure XC mountain biker they probably aren't the best performing tyre for you.

[@stevowyeth]

100% this for me too. The heavier and burlier the bike feels the more at home I feel on it (coming from Moto enduro and being 104Kg).

[@Full-Tonk]

@@stevowyeth I'm guessing you may be drooling over the new Husky the EMBN guys are riding 🙂

[@stevowyeth]

@@Full-Tonk not really, I pick up my Focus Sam2 6.9 on Friday 😀

[@madmountainman5197]

@@stevowyeth You'll be a smidge over the max weight limit there.😁

[@stevowyeth]

@@madmountainman5197 only if you read the manual 😝

[@saibottobias]

Still riding and loving my Trek Stache 5 from 2016 with 29x3" Tires. It's a compliant, stable and fast trail bike that's always fun to ride. Especially considering I had 2 different Full Suspension Bikes in between (XC, Enduro) that are long gone sold already, but also both were 27,5" non Plus and where not giving me, what I actually needed from a Bike.

[@jeroenymous82]

Same here, own one and love it to bits! I've had and sold a Full stache 8 (was a brutal machine, actually regret selling it..) and a Fuel EX 9.8 but the Stache 9.8 is still my favorite next to my Rail 9.8 😅 I could never sell my Stache.. many mtbikers think it's slow and crazy 🤙🏼 but on most descends they can't keep up with me.

[@deepdiver49]

I run a 2.8 on the rear. Use a Schwalbe Eddy Current. Heavy, tough. It sure is. Haven’t had a puncture or tyre tear since I switched. I also find the heavy duty side walls offer nice stability in the corners. Now I’ve said this, I can feel a puncture coming on.

[@tom.wassell]

As a heavier rider, i tend to need more sidewall stability. With a plus size tyre at a good enough pressure to keep the sidewalls up in hard corners, they loose any of their grip/comfort benefits. Ive found a sticky medium weight sidewall in 2.5" is about spot on for me.

[@panhuys1893]

Whats your weight kg/lbs total incl. bike?

[@tom.wassell]

@@panhuys1893 im 129kg bud, i run both my trek rail and katipo DH on 2.5" tubeless tyres with decent sidewalls.

[@lossantoscity3249]

Im 100kg. 27.5 rims 35mm wide 2.6 Assegai front and rear. I plow the trail like a tractor. Lol

[@almostcools]

It seems like the theme here is the bigger the rider the wider tire you should use. My weight has fluctuated from 100 kg to about 155 kg and thankfully back down to about 130 kg right now with the goal of getting down to about 110 kg. I've noticed during those weight changes definitely wider tires help out the bigger rider.

[@derekjohnson3445]

After a couple of years on narrower tyres I have recently changed my 'mullet front' 29" wheel for 27.5" with a 2.8" tyre (matching the rear) and loving the extra comfort it gives on the handlebars.

[@steveoffutt7591]

I just bought my first MTB this past summer and it's 27.5+, 2.8" tires and I love it! I'm not an experienced rider but I've had zero complaints.

[@skooterbrah]

I run 3.0" tires on my GT hardtail, and I absolutely love them. Where I live, the terrain is a mix of sand and loose silt, and smaller tires are pretty much worthless. Plus, they just look impressive!

[@martinhagen2913]

YES! i love the plus size tires, i was shocked to discover they were almost gone. The extra float and grip for me makes for such a more flexible bike! Living in norway, with snow, where i also ride fatbikes, a plus size tire would allow us to flick out the Bullit and the Levo more. As far as i can tell on the 21 Bullit, and 22 Levo, you won't be able to fit plaus size tires??? What did you do Steve? For me this is the better choice for an e-bike with the added weight and all. Pressure is crucial to get the tire to work properly though, so theres a big negative there.

[@markusilomaki8922]

Great timely video. Will always fit a 2.8 in the back when summer and a studded 3.0 in the winter. Tubeless with tyre inserts. This is mainly for uphill grip in the summer and some extra flotation and grip in the winter. 29x2.6 in the front for summer and studded 2.8 for the winter. Pressures around 15psi. Having the same mature weight myself as you Steve, I would not consider a bike that cannot fit these tyres 😀

[@nickwf70]

I've gone from 26x2.2 to 27.5 X 2.8 and I'm really impressed other than the high speed cornering, got to have pressures just right.

[@dag681]

As a motorcycle and mtb rider, I love my 3.0 Purgatories. With 22 pounds of pressure they are perfect for my derestricted Kenevo. Much of the terrain we ride lends itself well to a wider patch and contact, especially floating over sand and mud sections.

[@finkelmann]

I agree- in terms of ride characteristics there are just so many advantages. Most of the cons are technical. I mean, you may equally argue that suspension forks are also more squirmy and prone to failures than rigid ones but we all know the pros outweigh the cons. Most times I've used plus tires, I really enjoyed them. I am quite surprised it didn't catch with a wider majority of riders, especially the beginner to average riders where the added confidence is massive and tire squirming is less of an issue

[@krazyjey]

I had the choice of Assegai 2.5 front and DHR II 2.5 on the back....did bring them back unopened to the shop, went again for the Eddy Current 2.8 for the second time. Of course, less rolling, less feedback , less faster here and there, But, ...no punctures, no stress on the handlebars ( deity and cactus grip) , no wrong lines or surprise ungrip. The advantage of a larger volume tire is like riding a plank of wood to a magik carpet, at least for me and my 63 kgs. Perfect for any terrain and low PSI riding.

[@stigsy5609]

I love my Magic Mary 27,5x2,8. It is so plush, so much grip. I ride o lot of wood paths and on the leaves it is great. Yes, if you ride perfect fast trails they are not as exact as slimmer tires. For my riding I love having more volume and low pressure.

[@feggelindh7584]

Run 2:8 here on both my bikes ( levo kenevo ) in the Andes Santiago . Very dry and loose trails so just love them for the grip up and down 😍 Can go faster now and never really be scared like i was before on 2.4 2:6 tires.

[@michalwiktorow2188]

First for context, I ride hardtail 27,5+ (Haibike AllTrail 6 Flyon) - it has Minion DHR II and DHF II Exo - 2,8". Those tyres can be run on 1,2 bar or even 1bar (which is just atmospheric pressure), they give grip and comfort on this carbon-frame e-bike with 140mm fork. As soon as I enter the woods, the magic begins, from too soft and too grippy on asphalt they become 'magical' on non-managed trails through woods. They are comfortable going through forest litter, through fallen branches etc. it is their 'natural terrain' - rolling resistance immediately drops when I enter 'forest litter' which is counter intuitive, but I love it. Second use case: winter rides through hard-packed snow, this crackling snow noise is soo cool :). I will always need those and will buy another pair as soon as I see it fit. My first ride, from bike shop to home, they set them up at the very low 1,2bar - probably worrying that I'll crash on this bike - the riding experience was strange, I knew that this is not full-sus bike, but a lot of the small chatter was eliminated. I cannot imagine that 2,8" and 3" are gone, they are remarkable, even with tubes they do seem like tubeless. I do have oher full with 29" wheels, love their momentum, but... this size needs to stay as I cannot imagine riding icy, snowy rides without this size, no need for spikes. I cannot imagine this bike looking differently. It is unusual experience if you did not try it, but its positive one!

[@xcmtnbikerco]

In my experience with the 3 & 2.8 tires, they do provide a ton of traction, but they are heavy and make the bike feel sluggish with any change of acceleration and handling. In my experience over the las two years 2.5 & 2.6 tires are the real sweet spot. Giving you great traction with a much more manageable weight penalty affecting acceleration and handling

[@jesseoglidden]

My experience exactly. The perfect combo.

[@morningtidefilms]

What is a great, lightweight 2.5 or 2.6 tire for 27.5? Looking for something for dry and rocky terrain.

[@dirtwheels6679]

Early on I was running the same pressure I used on narrow tires, and the Plus tires seemed to bounce off-line and slide on cambers. Figuring out the lower air pressure really helped. For me, even heavier than you, 20 to 23 psi rear, 17 to 19 psi front. I feel the wide tires dragging my legs on a normal bike, but they are worth it on an eMTB.

[@brianhenderson2629]

Hi. I have just bought my first emtb and couldn’t afford a new one so it’s actually a 2017 Levo Fattie with 3.0 Purgatory tyres. I love them! The trails I ride 99% of the time are sand based and it’s summer right now so the plus size tyre also helps in that situation! I came from a 2018 Trek Fuel 8 with 29x2.4 and I reckon I am quicker now cos of the added traction (and not rooted after the climbs 😂). Loving E-MTB’s!

[@czechnolike]

Awesome, especially for hardtails

[@guidodezwaan]

I truly like my 2.8 tires, they are really comfortable, even on pavement and in the city you notice a huge difference. They also look amazing.

[@alexanderbrown9839]

Coming from motocross, I setup my 21 levo with a 29 front/2.6 tire and rear 27.5 hope 35/3.0 tire. Felt perfect and comfortable for me as it was familiar. However, my long time mtb friends agree it feels much more forgiving and stable as opposed to traditional stock setup. Though due to weight and size I think this really only applies to emtb and could have more varied opinions moving to acoustic.

[@davidsmith1545]

I've been running a Trek Stache hardtail,& also a full suspension Stache for years with 3.0 tyres. Love the comfort, speed, grip and the climbing ability they have. Only problem is finding 29 x 3.0 tyres.

[@perryirons1399]

Plus-size tires are the way to go for me, I got hooked on them when they came out. I do a lot of technical trail riding. I love the traction, they are more forgiving when I don't pick the right lines and more comfortable to ride. The bigger the tire is the more energy required, but it's worth the sacrifice to me. I also think they look better. My emtb came with 2.5, I will change to 2.8 next tire change.

[@henrykuppens9097]

I'm not a serious mounten racer but own a Surly ecr 29+ which I use as a sort of Land Rover, and a Kona Big Honzo with +tires and as you say it gives much comfort and control in dry sandy conditions in the Netherlands where I live. These bikes will never leave me (by them self) so I don't mind what manufacturers come up with.

[@Tiss17979]

@Steve, I have tried a lot of plus tires and I really like them. I always have a wheelset equipped with a set of plus tires. My experience is also that the right tire pressure (for your weight, but also for what type of trails and what style you ride) is extremely important. But I think plus tires with decent casing are a great choice. I love the Surly Dirt Wizard which has a great casing (and a lot of weight ~ 1400 g). I like really techy riding (up and down) - some kind of E-Bike-Trialy stuff and then it is great that I can run 9 psi front and 11 psi rear with decent plus tires. You just need the right tire for the right fight, but I think plus tires are great and can have a lot of benefit. I also think that the popularity of plus tires got a setback because it lacked really good tires at the beginning.

[@Sunspot-19]

2 years later... I love my plussers! I prefer light, supple tires since I weigh 130#'s and need tires that can conform to terrain. Frankly, I am in love with railing my punkass enduro plusser whom of which is a singlespeed steel framed individual that loves to play and get trialsy. Stiff sidewall tires roll like a bloody snail at a rideable pressure. Light and supple tires roll much better for a light rider and can be adjusted for the terrain. I run 8-12 psi generally and never more than 15 psi since I want to keep my remaining teeth from being shaken loose. I love riding with traction and not having a ricochet effect from silly hard tires that offer minimal traction since they cannot conform to the terrain and grip with their grubby treads. As long as I have been hoarding 3.0's, I'll be good for the foreseeable future.

[@josephandrews9742]

I have a 2017 Levo Fattie that came with 3” tires. I loved the ride they gave. The only problem was, in first gear, the chain sometimes snagged the rear tire. Now I ride 2.8s. Perfect.

[@matthewspring2496]

I have a Whyte 905 hardtail with 2.8 and amazed at the terrain it can handle, up and down

[@SUBcyclist]

Very interesting insights. As a novice rider, I gravitated to the 2.8’s I tried on a demo bike; I feel as though they provide me with better control. Additionally, my stock rims have 35mm internal width; coupled with slightly higher pressures that I prefer, I do not feel that my tires/tyres squirm or fold over in a noticeable way. I also have Tannus Armour in both wheels. If I were a more experienced rider, with better knowledge and practice of pressure regulation and other techniques, I might prefer other sizes. Great video, Steve; thoughts are definitely worth considering, especially for me as my skills improve.

[@stevowyeth]

I have pondered this for a while. In the last 10 years bikes have gotten longer, slacker, heavier, more burly and more capable...yet we're still rolling round on the same 2.4" tyres as back then. Embrace the girth!

[@BlackFlag94]

My bike came with a 2.6 front (not quite a + tyre) but it felt vague. I've now got a 2.4 at the front and it feels SO much better. It's definitely less comfortable and I've had to fiddle with my suspension to accommodate it, but as you say, the 2.4 feels a little slower rolling

[@peterkinghorn7138]

running 27.5 2.8 Michelin e wild on my kenevo expert with tyre inserts, pressure wise 21psi, yes they are heavier but i can honestly say never ridden with more confidence and totally transformed the bike

[@WesternSpiritCyclingMoab]

Steve- (Sevy from WSC here) - great points here! On my dual 29" Levo I've been running a 29x2.6 DH tire in the rear & a 29"x3.0 up front and really loving that pseudo-mullet set up. With a Zeb up front the clearance is fine but I only wish Maxxis would offer that DHF in some other rubber compounds. When your bike is already 52 lbs who cares about another pound or so? Not me. Cheers!

[@tomreilly880]

Also the common perception is that wide tires roll slower, but anytime it’s been tested they prove to be faster rolling. On rough surfaces (ie not roads) with the correct pressure that’s still lower than the narrower tires, they are faster.

[@strutstipher]

On a previous bike, Scott eSpark I thought the tyres were great, really helpful on the those narrow tracks with braking rut, helping to add another degree of suspension and softening out the trail. I am around the same weigh as Steve and would ride them at 17/18 psi. They may suffer from greater deformation than narrower tyres but I think you ride faster as you not being jarred so much over the bumps. I not riding to win anything only to have fun.

[@Adamrcope]

I use 2.8 x 27.5 Eddy Currents which have a thick side wall. Even thought they are heavy they are great for cornering and rolling over anything you put in front of them. I’m looking at buying a new bike and did considere buying a bike with thinner tyres but after using other bikes that are thinner i dont like the feel or grip so wider tyres is what I’m looking out for

[@stevebennett6727]

Have a mullet set up n my Canyon eSpectral 8 and the 2.8” on the rear is awesome. Can’t fault it on any terrain I’ve ridden on here in South Wales all the way up to blacks 👌🏽👌🏽

[@prostreet9149]

Just got my bike in Sept. full suspension E Mountain bike running Maxxis High Roller 2 's 27.5 / 3.00. And I love them. Much better than 4.0.fatts. still retain a lot of agility and tightness.( ultimately I have learned 2.6/ 2.8 Max). Great info thank you much

[@tomcagle5324]

3.0/60TPI forever!!!🤟 Keep making the true 3.0 Maxxis, Surly (DiryWizard) and Teravail (Coronado)!

[@kentbell6731]

Steve, I think you hit it pretty well, IN the WINTER!! You may not of had a chance to ride in the snow with your set up. It’s essentially what I ride during the winter for all conditions including snow and ice. I did build up 27.5 with 40ml internal, and with the proper tyre have maintained the 2019 Levo’s Geometry. Tyre Pressure is key. During the dry season do you like my tiers a little bit narrower and go back to both 29 inch wheels.

[@apm9507]

Please visit eastern Idaho for our winter ice and snow cycling season! Four inches is as small as can safely be used.

[@The.JZA.]

I have 2.6" tyres on my 2019 Stumpjumper and I love them. Every time I ride a bike with 2.3"/2.4" tyres they just feel way too small. They skit around on the trail, have hardly any small bump give and you can't run lower pressures without risking damaging your wheels. When I first got the bike it had trail casing tyres which were too weak and I had problems with the side wall buckling (I'm 100kg for reference) so I upgraded to downhill casing tyres and now they are great. I run 22.5 front and 27.5 psi rear and I don't get any squirm even when plowing through burms and it also gives me the confidence to plow through rock gardens with little risk of puncture. My ebike (Commencal Meta Power SX Race) has 2.4" tyres and I don't like them at all. The bike feels skittish and always trying to wash out so when they wear out I will definitely chuck 2.6" on there. The bike can take a 2.6" according to Commencal. As a nice little bonus, the increased tyre size will slightly increase the circumference which means my 32km/h speed limit will be slightly increased.

[@porroco]

I would go for shwalbe eddy current rear2.8x27.50 , 29x2.6” front

[@utid7144]

Running 2.8 on me Ebike and love em.. Ride a lot of muddy single track this time of year so they work perfect!

[@patthewoodboy]

running 2.1 at 34 psi , superb feel and control which is what I need doing twisty single track

[@marsik6547]

I run 27,5+ 2,8 Eddy Currents on Bulls E-Stream AM4 as a havy rider, a lot of rocky and rooty mountain trails - doing a great job!

[@ian43112]

I have a Stump jumper and marida hard tail I like to run both the 29er and 27.5 2.8 plus tires (+ tires makes the bike slaker) and on my stumpy I some times run mulet for the peaks helps climbing, I have ordered my fiancé an EBike with plus ties she loves the comfort and predictablity over ruffer ground.

[@damianrubio6126]

It came from an Orbea Loki with 27.5x3" wheels. I thought they were fantastic. They eat up all the irregularities in the terrain. Now I ride an Orbea Rise m20, with 29x2.6 in the front and 27.5x2.8 in the rear, and I love it. Always I can mount the 29x2.6 tire for easier routes, and the 27.5x2.8 on more enduro routes...

[@stuarthenderson7354]

Yup, run 2.8 Teravail in the winter and Xr2 2.8 in the summer love them. Mountain bikes as well as Rail.

[@davep.7099]

I have 2.4s on my XC bike (rarely ride it), 2.6" on my Orbea Rise and Norco, and 3.0" on my Stache (would love to see a full sus Stache emtb). I ride my Rise and Norco over longer distances and typical trails. I ride my Stache (I purposefully got a smaller frame with high rise handle bars, strongly recommend this) as a fun bash bike for shorter rides, slop, and some light snow. If I did have a full power emtb, I would likely go with a wider tire, they do seem to take some of the chatter out and are smoother over poorly executed hops over rock ledges and curbs.

[@leonline3424]

i still run 2.8 on my muscle mtb , a Scott Genius 700 tuned, but i think the next change will go down to 2.6

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

Got 29 X 3 inchers on my Trek Stache, love em and don't wanna go back to 27.5 or narrower than 3.

[@Pienimusta]

If more bikes allowed to fit wider tyres, could be cool winter tyre (on snow). My trail bike barely fits 2.6.

[@fortunateson2]

I ride a 29 2.4 inch front and back. I really like how fast rolling they are.

[@paulholt2758]

Great video as always. My Focus jam2 2018 came with + tyers always been ok. Regards Paul.

[@DavidMaruca_]

I ride accoustic, but I love 2.8-3.0 inch tires. They are super hard to find now, but I still go as wide as I can with what is currently available

[@apm9507]

4 inch spiked fat tires for my daily morning (3 AM) 4 mile bike ride on the icy, snowy roads in rural eastern Idaho. My wife's fat tad etrike has 4 inch tires. Anybody pedaling less than 4 inch tires in eastern Idaho's winter are inside on Zwift or in the urgent care clinic. Fat tire bikes are almost the only thing my local bike shop sells from October to March. Fat tire bikes are AMAZING! GCN needs to visit eastern Idaho, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons! I will pay for your bike rental. Or you can borrow my fat bike or my wife's fat tad etrike.

[@shayne131]

My bike came with 2.8's 27.5 front and rear, I really enjoy it. I have since put a 29 on the front with a 2.6, I like Schwalbe's and they seem wider than most brands, except Pirelli's 2.6's. I saw them on a mates bike they and the volume is equivalent to my 2.8.

[@toymachine76au]

I rode a 2018 Pipeline for 7000km on various 27+ 2.8s. Faster almost everywhere compared to my 2019 29er element. Converted my Instinct powerplay to 27+ 2.8 and running 3.0 at the moment and collecting KOMs on that too. Biggest shame in MTB industry is how they butchered the marketing of plus rubber. It’s so good I won’t buy a bike if it can’t fit them.

[@jap7856]

I run IRC Tanken 27.5x2.8 up front and a 27.5x2.6 in the rear, for me it's the best setup for overall speed, traction and control. Most of the riding I do is loose and rocky So Cal trails. I did try a IRC Tanken 27.5x2.8 on the rear, but to much traction, so overall speed and range on the battery was negative effect.

[@tjay_mac]

I hope they don't kill this tire sizes. My wife had completely changed her riding from 2.3 to 2.8. The confidence she has now is not something she would've gained in short period of time riding the 2.3 size tires. I take her with me now anywhere and she looks forward to going on a trip to Tahoe every time during dry Season. She now logs in 2000-2500 miles/ 250k elevation gain annually. That's 3x a week of riding including after work, night ride! If you want to introduce someone that has no to minimal mountain biking experience, have them ride a lightweight 27.5x2.8 tires such as Schwalbe Rocket Rons in the Rear and Minion DHR II front. They will enjoy mountain biking! When they have enough experience, they can decide to try 29er but for now, they should be introduced to these tire sizes. Its a lot of fun having this much traction especially on Fireroad, around flat and loose corners which is probably where they would start. Remember to use proper tire pressure. This is the key! My wife weighs 114 lbs and not aggresive rider. I set her tires up to 9psi front/10 psi rear. No burps.

[@fyrodimi]

No regrets from 2.8" on non-e-bike. They make a comfy ride and are more forgiving in rocky/Roots/slippery descents. It's pure trail oriented. On road very hard and a wast of energy due to drag from wind and rolling resistance.

[@monteur85480]

i have a trek rail comes with 2.6 front and rear , did'nt like the steering , went to an 2.4 in the front , steering improved a lot !!

[@riderdiver1]

Same here, 2022 Rail 9 GX and ditched the original 2.6's for Maxxis DHR2 in 2.4. Corners so much better in the dry terrain I ride here

[@thelittle]

In my experience plus sized tires are great in dry surfaces, except when there is loose gravel over hard soil. The large volume make the tires kinda float over little rocks. Same thing happens when theres mud. Skinnier tires are beter on these situations because they can dig the spikes trhu loose stuff and get the grip on the bottom. 2.5 tires are the sweet spot for me, but I have an extra set of wheels that i can put on my full sus trail bike and my hardtail some times. Its like riding a different bike.

[@Grumpydelight159]

My analog hardtail came with + brand new a couple years ago (whyte 905) Honestly, i love them.. would be nice to see a wider selection available though! Riding chattery natural stone trails they really shine.. also find they're great on the rooty stuff.

[@waynemarlow2682]

The bike industry is just starting to catch up what MX and Trials motorbikes have known for 30 years, softer pressures means more grip. But what about smaller and larger diameter on the front. Oh the infamous new Mullet, talk about trying to catch up to the MX bikes. Been running mullet for about 4 years, 2.8 on the back, 2.6 on the front ( put your bike on a set of scales and measure how much weight is on each end ) 29er style, loving the combo and you are able to run lower pressures on the front without any fold in the corners. PS the latest gen Nobby Nics performance line on the front and DD on the back are a pretty cool all round all year tyre.

[@SylvainLasnier]

I love my rear 2.8 dhrii and e-wild. Confort, easy, feeling. But definitely less precise, less strong and not the best in extreme situation. I prefer my 2.5 DD and my 2.4 Super Gravity when I want ride aggressively.

[@mybadvideos]

I like 3.0 and 2.8 a lot on my hardtail. It's a real shame that the industry seems to be abandoning anything wider than 2.6

[@maxmachin4894]

2.8 Vittoria Martello's. My favourite tires for some time now and they are pretty cheap too

[@fgsdridingbikes]

I love my plus tires on both of my bikes. A Marin hardtail ebike and a full suspension Marin.

[@bagera3005]

i love my 27.5" on my GT Men's Aggressor Pr

[@tablatom]

I have 2 fat bikes. 27.5 x 3.8 is a great tyre. Middle ground in floatation, lightness, grip and speed. Do try it.

[@timb171]

Just waiting on delivery of my new stead which has geometry specifically for running 27.5 x 2.8 (it can also run 29 x 2.5 apparently).

[@johanneshuber2846]

29x 2,5 front tire and 27,5x2,8 backtire feels perfekt on my fully.

[@Greyarcher1]

I am around 88-90 kg and i am att My fourth Bobby nick in THE rear att 2.8" i do think they are better in everyway, ride only flat trails,best ever alround tire i have ever tiden sina mith -90 when i started riding MTB,now riding My Haibbike fullseven8 EMTB att the age of 57 riding more and longer than ever did over 1500k this summer,will probably do over 2000k this year.

[@wanderdude3582]

ive been using Maxxis Rekon 2.8 for 3 years. Love them. Keep think i'm going to go to 2.6 or 2.4. but i have so much grip. Im like a mountain goat on climbs.

[@mybadvideos]

It might be worth mentioning that some of the first gen plus bikes arguably came with rims too narrow for the tires. I don't think sidewall squirm is as much of an issue with a 2.8 or 3.0 on an i45 rim, right? If I remember the first generation Specialized Fuse had 3.0 tires on an i28 rim (?)

[@Hikebike365]

I'm a capable (not a hero), older, xc rider and I ditched the 2.8 that came with my newer bikes. I found them less precise for placement and I thought they bounced on the rocky trail sections. The bouncing would put me off my desired line. I let the suspension take care of smoothing the ride. Plus, the 2.4 or 2.5 tires are lighter.

[@hardergamer]

I'm running 2.5 on my ebikes, not really thought about going up in size, but with a combined weight of 150kgs ish, I will have to take a look at them, main problem I'm having with tyres this size is finding them at a good price, Maxxis Minion DHF ii are costing me £150 a time.

[@crisleszek1041]

I run them deep into the corners but get squirrel on the muddy ups!

[@speedsquishstupid]

2.8/3.0 tires were demonstrated again and again to carry more speed and have better rollover than 29ers. I dropped to 2.6 as its the widest that the new bikes will take. Remember though, Plus tires started with everyone converting their 29ers to 2.8 27.5s... it still works!

[@campbellclark3458]

I like to alternate Steve. My last set was a pair of 2.6s, currently running DHR2 2.35 and Ardent 2.4. My next set will probably be some 2.8s just for fun

[@MrTimberob]

hi, i run Michelin E-wild 2.8 on my Haibike All-trail in the winter on heavy clay mud and find they give me lots more confidence. so + tyres get a thumbs up from me 👍

[@ceriway380]

My bike came with 2'8 great over rocky ground but the rear had a stick ram through the tyre so put 2'6 on way better no roll - no puncher - same grip plus they don't float on the mud ,first winter I put a shorty on the front, straight away I noticed how much better it turn more flickable so I've never gone bigger than 2'6.

[@alanclua]

my bike came with 2.8 love them

[@G3LDY]

Weird how on the old downhill bikes 26’ there was not a think of plus tyre it was just a 2.8

[@CarkeekW]

1 psi difference is a lot for a plus size , you have to really spend some time to dial it in . I changed my 6 fattie to 2.6 front after seeing a video on rolling resistance that concluded over 2.5 on gravel no benefit was had, but it was clear a 2.3 had more resistance. Wide tyres in slop dont cut in so well but on all other occasions my 2.8 2.6 combo has been great.

[@jesseoglidden]

Fat tires are super sluggish, especially in tight, windy switchbacks. In Utah desert terrain they are totally unnecessary, unless you hit a lot of sand, which I do not. Also, they're noisy! Yeah, they look dope, but 2.5/2.6 is the best combo for quiet, maneuvarable tires.

[@st1ffee]

I feel my 2.4 is more gripping in mud conditions as the narrower profile digs in better

[@trailsanddales4356]

love my 2.8 tyres except if you hit a patch of mud at speed as they dont sink in as much the narrower tyres and the front end goes where it likes and you lose the front end

[@59trevski]

I still ride Maxxis minion 2.8 front and rear, so sweet on the trail, low pressure. 2.6 still feel just as plush as a 2.8 What rocks 🤣 there are more plus than negative.🤘

[@ChristianJohnsons]

My personal experience with 2.8 tires is they struggle to bite through greasy mud when a narrower 2.5-2.6 tire can cut through a slick organic layer and find traction. Which is better on wet roots?

[@DISABLED12-7]

I have 29x3" tires for my Stache (7 and Full Stache) sitting around. I'll try it on the Rail for the front at least, the Stache7 and Rail7 both have a Yari up front so clearance should be similar. :)

[@323johnnybravo]

I had a gnarly wreck on 2.8 tires the front folded around a corner tore and ripped off the bead. If you’re a bigger rider ( 6’4 230 ) I’d recommend staying away.

[@Mark26879]

I think the + tyre on a mullet should be just on the back eg 29 2.6” and 27.5 2.8”

[@jaycarneygiants]

You kept bringing up tire hardness and sidewall thickness.... those 2 things are not exclusive to 2.5 or 3.0 tires. You can get a 2.8/3.0 tire that is a soft compound with thick sidewalls. Also You should touch on 2.6 tires as they are super popular

[@Kendubious]

Did you mention the extra traction on climbing particularly in loose terrain? Maybe but let me reiterate.

[@dopeytripod]

I love my 27.5/2.8 sized tires