Schwalbe Marathon plus tyre size discrepancy

[272BHP]

Hi, I got 2 new tyres last week at my local bike shop and although I have been riding on them the last 3 weeks I just noticed when pumping them up that they replace my Kenda 700x38 with a 700x38 at the front and a 700x35 at the rear. I do remember them asking if I would like the same size as the Kenda's and I said that I did.

Is this a problem? and should i go back to the shop - they were bloody expensive 70 notes!

The 700x38 does seem a lot more chunky than the old Kendas and certainly more chunky than the 700x35. If it is ok should I have the thicker tyre at the back or the front?

[yellowjack]

It doesn't sound like a problem as such. If they are "chunkier" than what came off, you'd be best off with the smaller ones I reckon.

If the narrower tyre has gone on the rear, it may be that the 700 x 38c Marathon didn't fit within the frame clearance?

As for which end to put them, stick with them as they are. Wider, more rubber, and the ability to run them at lower pressures than the narrower tyre mean that the best place to have the bigger size is at the front for more cornering grip. Narrower at the rear, at slightly higher pressure, to reduce rolling resistance. It's unusual to mount odd sizes of road tyre, but is pretty common on MTBs, where different models, and even brands are used front and rear to give more grip at the front and more "go" at the rear. I think I'd keep 'em, and keep them mounted as they are.

[272BHP]

Thanks for the help. I did have to fit one of the tyres myself (can't remember which one) and I don't fancy doing that again!

I will leave them as they are then.