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Tyre Selection for Track Conditions
Choosing the correct tyre tread pattern and rubber
compound can affect your placing in competition.
The tyres on your CRF offer a "happy medium" for
the variety of soil conditions the majority of riders
are likely to encounter.
Experienced competitors often switch to tyres
developed for specific terrain conditions. If you do
switch, stay with the factory recommended sizes.
Other tyres may affect handling or acceleration.
Be aware that tyre sizes (width and aspect ratio) do
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer or even
among tyres made by the same manufacturer.
Variations in tyres, especially the sidewall profile,
can change the attitude of your CRF and its
handling. Tyre variations that raise or lower the
rear of your CRF have a more significant effect on
handling than variations in front tyres which,
generally, don't vary as much.
Often, you can see or feel the change in tyre size.
Another way to check is to measure the rolling
circumference of the old and new tyres. A higher
profile tyre will have a larger rolling
circumference.
If you do switch to tyres designed for special
terrain use, remember they will be less acceptable
in other circumstances. For example, an aggressive
mud tyre will give excellent grip on wet, loamy
terrain, but less impressive grip on a hard surface.
If you choose a tyre with a sticky compound for
added traction, remember that it may transfer
additional loads to the transmission because it
grips so well, especially when riding in situations
that normally place unusual demands on the
transmission.
Complete consumer information can be obtained
from the various tyre manufacturer representatives
and dealers.
Some general recommendations for specific
terrain follow:
Hard, Slick Soil
Use tyres with many relatively short knobs that are
close together in order to obtain the largest
possible contact patch on the surface. The rubber
compound needs to be softer for hard ground in
order to hook up, but not so soft that the knobs roll
over easily and affect holding a straight line.
These tyres tend to wear more quickly than
standard tyres because of the combination of soft
rubber and hard terrain.
Muddy Soil
Use a more open tread pattern to avoid clogging.
For these conditions, the relatively long knobs will
probably be made from a harder rubber compound
to reduce any tendency to bend back under
acceleration or wear quickly.
Loose, Sandy Soil
Use a tyre that is similar in construction to those
needed for tacky soil and mud, but with a few more
knobs.
Tyre Selection for Track Conditions
Adjustments for Competition
161
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