I'm finally getting around to ordering some front sand tires, I seem to push more sand around going up steep hills
than anything else with the stockers, for those of you that have front sand tires what are your opinions on whats available. I'm wanting atleast a 22" tall ( I don't know who makes 23') and I'm undecided on either the smooth buff look or something ribbed like a dune tracker or razorback.
Does a biased rib actually make a difference in handling on the DS? Is a 7" or 8" wide better? maybe more flotation? Also I would't mind losing a little weight up front- do I dare order less than a 190 rim?-I do jump a lot.
Any feed back would be great!

 

I can't give any good advice on the tire choice, but I do know about the rims. If your riding in good sand[without alot of rocks] you will be fine with lighter than .190 rims. Jumping is not all that hard on rims when landing in sand, it's the hidden, solid object that will take out the rim. I'm going to use the stock rims for my sand tires[when I get a new set] even though they are .190's because I would rather get ring wheels for the knobbies.

 

Go with the Razorback on 7-inch wide wheels. They will float and turn better. The STU Razorbacks might cost more but they are a 4-ply tires made with better rubber. They are made in the Good old USA. The owner is a big supporter of the ASA who are fighting to keep all our Sand Dunes open. So support him and you help keep your dunes open. Join the ASA they are opening chapter all over the country.

 

Aluminum is lighter than rubber so a larger diameter wheel with the same size tire will be lighter. Go to [http://www.itptires.com/wheels.html] and check out the ITP Magnum Wheels. You can see the Magnum Sand Tire Kit on my DS at [http://www.keeler.extremegarage.com/photo.html], they are 23" tire casings on front and rear, not the actual finished dimension though, more like 22". I have only had it to the dunes once since putting them on and my gearing was so far off I didn't ride much. Since I have ordered a 14 tooth front and 41 tooth rear sprocket but don't have them on yet.

 

I have 22x8x10 razorbacks and they are worth ever penny. They work the way they do because of their wide 8" footprint (better floatation), flexible side wall (absorbs bumps and ruts better), and taller height (again helps with bumps and ruts). 7" wide tires will not work as good. Hard sidewalls will not work as good. Shorter height will not work as good.

 

thanks for your comments guys, them razorbacks sound like the #1 contenders at this point

 

Forgot to mention the 8" wide razorbacks will rub against the front fender mount. I remove the front fenders when I go to the dunes, it's easy, plus the DS looks better in the dunes w/o the front fenders.

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