For those of you that already like running larger tires, you understand the benifets. Easier on the wrists, ability to run lower pressures more effectively, better surface area, etc. Not to mention, I personally love the looks of large tires on a BMX.
As for the rims, they are a bit less understood from what I gather. I typically recommend to buy the largest rim possible but unless you are running somewhat large tires, they can sometimes actually hinder your performance. There is a sweet spot for traction, tire stability and rim protection.
Too big of a rim with too small of a tire:
-Put your rim at higher risk of damage
-Lose traction since the tire will slip, rather than flex to the surface
-Expose more of your sidewall to a grinding surfaces
Too big of a tire on too small of a rim:
-Experience excessive tire rolling over the side of a rim when carving or turning
-Higher chance of snake biting your tube with lower tire pressures and a big drop or case
There are probably other possible problems I forgot to mention.
For this particular real-world test, I didn't go as big as possible, I purchased a Steamroller from Animal. The rim is 40mm width inside, lip to lip and is double walled and welded. The rim I will be comparing it against, is an industry standard, 34mm width, G-sport Rollcage.
I could have went for the Stranger XXL but it was more expensive and significantly heavier for the extra 2mm. I even looked at the stranger XXLT, which is the model with relief holes drilled for weight savings but the XXLT is still notably heavier than the Animal Steamroller. I do have brand loyalty but I am not opposed to buying a part from a company just because their image or reputation is not entirely favorable.
The other reason I bought the Steamroller is, I didn't want to spend another 30+ dollars on a new set of spokes and nipples since this new Steamroller is the same ERD (effective rim diameter) as my current Rollcage rim.
I plan on keeping my Rollcage as my next rear rim since it has brake-height sidewalls, minimal damage and I run a much smaller 2.25" tire in the rear for grinding and geo-altering purposes.
I know It's somewhat taboo to reuse spokes and nipples but I am confident in my wheelbuilding ability and the spokes in question. I have used hub guards day one with these spokes and although I grind very often, my front spokes are in pretty decent shape. I also plan on keeping the spokes in the same bedded-in positions by using the tape the cross sections method.
I will be testing with a used 2.4 BSD Donnastreet kevlar bead tire since it still has quite a bit of life in it and is what I am most used to with my current street bike.
I have really been appreciating lower tire pressures, as of recent and have been experiencing a fair amount of tire rolling over the rim. Lower pressures combined with my new goal of mastering some form of a 360 has made things even more noticable since I am experimenting with carving much harder and faster than I had previously. I am aware that a simple part change will not make me a 360 master over-night but I have a strong feeling it will help my progression enough to warrant the purchase.
I will post my results here and maybe even make a video describing what differences I feel.
