the right size tires

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I have exactly 0.5" clearance in the front fork with existing tire 26" x 2.10".

The back is same clearance with 1.95" existing tire.

Can I go with 2.20" ?   I do not race, ride on mud rain etc.

Thanks,  Gabe

ANSWER: Gabe,
Based upon your statement that 2.10 has a .5in clearance, you should be able to run a 2.20.  However several factors can affect this: 1)If the tire has large lugs, the outside diameter may be larger than the 2.20 advertised and thus may contact the fork legs or bridge.  2) The width of the tire may be a problem based the dimension you describe in the back. A 2.20 tire with pronounced the side lugs may contact the chainstays.  3)As you have probably figured out (because you mentioned that you don't ride in mud), mud can pack into areas that are tight and prevent the wheel from turning.

So, I recommend that you get one 2.20 tire. You only need to buy one to see if it fits on front and rear.  Once you confirm it fits on both sides, you can buy the other.  When you air the tire up, you will know immediately whether it fits or not.  If the lugs are in the way, you may try tires with smaller lugs (racing MTB tires have very small lugs).  Another thought is to run a 2.20 on the front and a 2.1 on the rear.  In my experience with mtb, the front tire size matters more than the rear because of the need for the front tire to maintain as much contact with the ground as possible in turning.  Thus, bigger on the front and smaller on the back is not a problem and unless you need flotation (sand or mud) big/small is a good way to go.

Oh, and hang onto the receipt so you can return it if it fits neither front nor rear.

I hope this helps,

Graeme

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Last one, please,  the Trail king, they do not look like they have much lugs - am I right here, just on this point?  

http://www.upgradecycle.com/continental-trail-king.html  

Thanks again,   Gabe

Answer
Gabe,
That looks like it might be close, but should work.  I was thinking along the lines of:

The Continental Race King
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1070109_-1___400904

Or the WTB Wolverine
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-components/2012-wtb-wolverine-am-tcs-t

Assuming you don't do a lot of mud, smaller lugs should be just fine.

Graeme