Mixing tyres

I know that mixing front and rear tyres is usually frowned upon, but in reality, what are the possible issues for 'normal' road use? I have Diablos on at the mo'. However, the rear needs replacing now, but the front looks good for another round on the rear. Having read topics in 'Tyres', I was attracted to a Metz Z6 Roadtec or Conti Road Attack for their reported longevity/performance. Anyone else mixed tyres?

I have a front BT-010 and a rear BT-014.

I wouldn't mix brands though.

You should be able to find out in most tyre places what tyres are compatible.
I doubt you'll get many places suggesting putting different brands together, though.

[Sid Squid]

I said this:
In the unlikely event that you're interested in anything I have to say.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

I said this:
In the unlikely event that you're interested in anything I have to say.

Oh but I am: This must have been one of the many topics I don't get to read. Thanks, very useful.

Im in need of replacing rear end soon too.... unlike you lot, I havent found much wrong with the 220.. except the price of getting a new one!

Would the Dunlop 208' be any good ??

Dont particularly want to change brands until front end needs replacing as well.

Cheers

[fizzwheel]

I've got BT-020's front and rear

I think that some people put an 010 on the front and an 020 on the rear...

I think that gives better front end grip as the 010 is softer, not sure though

Originally Posted by valleyboy

Im in need of replacing rear end soon too.... unlike you lot, I havent found much wrong with the 220.. except the price of getting a new one!

Would the Dunlop 208' be any good ??

Dont particularly want to change brands until front end needs replacing as well.

Cheers

I never found any problems with the 220, then when I tried the road attacks I realised how much better tyres can be.
A 208 rear is quoted as compatible with a 220, from memory, so should be fine. I've not heard much on what's it like, though I suspect you won't notice a huge difference.

I only replaced both ends because I was stuck and not willing to pay £114 just for a 208 rear when I could get road attacks at both ends for £146.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I think that gives better front end grip as the 010 is softer, not sure though

Correct, although having tried this and also having tried 020s front and rear, I think you'd be hard pushed to notice the difference. Personally I prefer 020s all round but will be switching to Metz Z6s in a couple of weeks.


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Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I think that some people put an 010 on the front and an 020 on the rear...

I think that gives better front end grip as the 010 is softer, not sure though

This is indeed true. I have that combination setup on my bike. However even if you had the same pattern tyre front and rear, the front will still be softer (slightly) than the rear. As that is the way they are designed and manufactured. The feel for what the bike is doing is 90% from the front end. If you had softer rubber on the rear then it would mean that it is highly likely that you would lose the front before the rear. It's a lot harder (if not impossible) to regain traction on the front, once its lost, than on the rear.