18 inch vs 19 inch rear wheel

[cynna]

what are the pros and cons of replacing a 18 inch rear wheel with a 19 inch

until i find a set of motard wheels for my xr650 i was thinking of getting another set of wheels which is 21f and 19r - i currently have 18 inch rear.

i will have knobblies on one set and more road/trail type on the other. not too sure which would be the better off road wheel - 18 or 19 inch

thanks

[warewolf]

18" is fairly standard on enduro bikes, 19" on motocross. As a result, there are more road-legal knobby options in 18" (read: enduro size). Overall diameter is almost the same as 19" tyres are lower profile = shorter sidewall. Off-road/enduro/cross-country riders want more sidewall to absorb rough stuff better; many in NZ use mx bikes for that with an 18" retrofitted.

Have you looked in to availability of road rubber in 19"? If choices were good, then that may be an option. However I would have thought that a second set in standard sized 18/21" would be the cheapest and easiest option? There's enough road and off-road rubber in those sizes.

[cynna]

thanks - never thought to check availability of tyres and never new of the lower profile/shorter sidewall

saw the 21 and 19 inch set for sale which is while i was considering them might just wait and keep my eye out for a set of suitable motard rims if i cant find any suitable 19i tyres

thanks for the reply