XC Width ?????

[simon7]

OK I'm new to XC racing with a MX back ground. Raced this week end, and I must be to wide. I have a Lonestar +2 front end. I'm at about 49.5. If I run 4/1 wheels I will be at 47.5. Is this still to wide?

[CJM]

4:1 should make it just fine. Id try and stay around 47" personally. Anything over 48" can be a tad to wide on some tracks.

[Mtndew99]

I see a lot of guys getting 4:1 rims with +2 a arms but they keep the stock width axle

[simon7]

OK Thanks guys. I'm going to try the 4/1 wheels up front. I have a wider axle but it is not adjustable. I was thinking of cutting down a set of hubs so I will be around 48 in the rear. I still ended up with 2nd in the a class. Hoping for first if I can stay off of the trees!

[LeGaCyGiAnT124]

I personally wouldn't run +2 a-arms, but that's just me. +1 is the widest I would go with 4:1 fronts.

[Smoker]

I've run a 50" wide quad in the woods and loved it because the width was nice in ruts. You could run one tire in a rut and the other tire on the outside of the other rut and always had traction.

The promoters that set up the xc tracks typically like to run you through the tight stuff where 46" stock width is scraping tires on trees. I'm sure the 47ish width will be alright, until you find that spot where it doesn't and get tossed onto the bars. That's usually when you learn where your bike won't fit, then you get better at judging what will work. I really don't think your gaining that much in handling by going with the extra inch in width though, even when you want to run the occasional mx. Just sport the little tires and roll with it.

[fomospede]

i run 46 1/2
as for ruts i stay out of them and ride the smooth on the edge of them
all the rough poop is in the rut who wants that !

[Smoker]

Yeah because I purposely hit the ruts lol. It can't be avoided sometimes.

[Scro]

You might be alright with +2 and 4/1 wheels in Florida. If you're planning on traveling north into Tennessee and Kentucky, you'd best find something a little narrower.