When heading to sandy paradises like Glamis, equipping your Dirt Bike With Paddle Tires is essential for optimal performance. Paddle tires transform your bike’s traction in sand, allowing you to climb dunes, power through bowls, and maintain control where standard knobby tires would simply dig and sink. Selecting the right paddle tire setup involves considering a few key factors to ensure you maximize your fun and avoid common pitfalls.
Rim Size and Paddle Count
The size of your rear rim dictates your initial paddle tire choices. For a 19-inch rim, the Sedona Dunatik 8 paddle tire is frequently cited as an excellent option. Its design and paddle configuration are well-suited for a variety of sand conditions and bike sizes. If your bike uses an 18-inch rear rim, the Sedona Dunatik model might only be available in a 10-paddle configuration. The paddle count influences traction and rolling resistance; fewer paddles generally offer quicker acceleration and better rolling speed on harder-packed sand, while more paddles provide maximum grip in softer, deeper sand.
Tire Pressure: Finding the Sweet Spot
Optimizing tire pressure is crucial when running paddle tires. Lowering the pressure significantly increases the tire’s contact patch, maximizing traction in the sand. A recommended starting point is around 6 psi for the front tire and 8 psi for the rear. However, it’s important to adjust based on your bike, riding style, and sand conditions. Experimenting within a safe range will help you discover the ideal pressure for your setup, balancing traction with preventing pinch flats and rim damage.
Protecting Your Inner Tube from Sand
Running low tire pressures in sandy environments like Glamis introduces a unique challenge: sand intrusion around the valve stem. As the tire and tube flex under low pressure, sand can work its way past the valve stem and into the rim cavity. Over time, this abrasive sand can wear down the inner tube, leading to premature failure.
To combat this, use small rubber seals specifically designed to fit around the valve stem where it meets the rim. These seals create a barrier, preventing sand from entering and prolonging the life of your tube. When initially installing paddle tires, or if you’re frequently swapping between knobbies and paddles, cleaning the rim and tube area is beneficial. However, for dedicated sand setups, prioritizing sealing out sand is key for season-long reliability.
Furthermore, consider using a fresh rim strip or tape during paddle tire installation. The rim strip protects the tube from abrasion and pinching against the spoke nuts. Low tire pressures and the dynamic forces of sand riding can exacerbate wear on the rim strip, increasing the risk of tube punctures. A new, quality rim strip provides an extra layer of defense.
Tube Type: Lightweight Considerations
When it comes to inner tubes for sand riding, a “lighter is better” philosophy often prevails. Lighter tubes reduce unsprung weight, which can improve suspension performance and handling, especially in whoops and uneven sand terrain. While standard tubes will work, consider thinner or lightweight tubes designed for off-road use. Some riders, particularly those on 2-stroke bikes or those prioritizing weight savings, even opt for natural rubber tubes with varying thicknesses. These tubes are designed to be thicker in high-stress areas and thinner elsewhere to minimize weight while maintaining durability and flexibility, which is advantageous at low pressures.
Avoiding Center Strip Paddle Tires
Steer clear of paddle tires that incorporate a continuous center strip. These designs, often molded Skat Trak imitations, tend to be significantly heavier than traditional paddle tires. The added weight negatively impacts handling and can make the bike feel sluggish. While these heavier tires might seem durable, the performance trade-off is generally not worth it. It’s better to choose a lighter, dedicated paddle tire for optimal sand riding experience. Keeping a heavier, center-strip tire as a backup might be reasonable, but for primary use, prioritize lighter options.
Chain Length and Rear Linkage Clearance
A crucial, often overlooked aspect when installing paddle tires, especially new ones, is checking for clearance with the rear linkage and mud flap. New paddle tires have taller paddles, and this increased diameter can sometimes cause rubbing issues, particularly with the rear suspension linkage as it cycles through its travel. This rubbing can damage your brand new paddle tire, tearing chunks off the paddles and reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.
To mitigate this, ensure you have a slightly stretched or used chain installed when running paddle tires. A newer chain, being at its maximum length before stretching, can exacerbate clearance issues. Depending on your specific bike model, a new chain might be too tight, causing the paddle tire to rub against the mud flap or, more critically, the rear suspension linkage. Always check for adequate clearance throughout the suspension travel after installing paddle tires to prevent damage and ensure smooth operation.
By considering these factors – rim size, paddle count, tire pressure, tube protection, tube type, tire design, and crucial clearance checks – you can confidently choose and set up paddle tires for your dirt bike, maximizing your performance and enjoyment in the sand dunes.
