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So.. I've got an Genesis Longitude from 2016(I think.. it's the 29" version)
Couple of questions regarding 29+ tires on it:
I've fitted some 3" Maxxis Chronicle tires to it. Generally, they feel great, esp on middling to rough fireroad. However, under braking the front wheel wants to go left..
This is much more pronounced when I've got the big tires on it vs some 2.25 crossmarks.
I think it's to do with the lower pressures making it more pronounced: i.e the tire is biting and potentially rolling over a little. Deffo more pronounced effect when heavy braking on tarmac and when I've got plus tire off-road pressures in there.
What could be causing this? I'm, thinking it's the fork + regular QR flexing. Not had this on other bikes - but then my other bikes have had 15 or 20mm maxles, and rim brakes with QRs before that. Are there any options to stiffen this up?
Secondly.. The rims on the bike are 30mm internal width (stock Alex Supra 35s). They are on the limit of handling a 3" tire, and if the pulling to the left effect is being exaggerated ted by the tire folding under, would a wider rim help? something like a WTB scraper i45..
What else might a wider rim do for me? Not sure I want to spend a few 100 quid on something that won't make too much of a difference in ride feel..
I've only had mine a few days and running 2.25" tyres but I have noticed a tendency for the front wheel to shift in the dropout, more so than other qrs I've had. Some more agressive tightening seems to have worked.
I have a Longitude in 29 plus guise.
A few things:
I think you are asking a lot from your rims. The Chronicle is a big old tyre. You may be getting some extra roll from the tyre depending on the pressure.
Is your headset too tight?
I run either a Hope QR or a DT 9mm RWS. Neither move when the wheel is fully in the dropouts. That said I have found that the dropouts do sometimes allow the wheel to go in centred but not fully “in” the dropouts which in use can manifest in the pulling but the disc rubbing is usually a better giveaway of this.
I’d be inclined to try a new QR then a fatter rim 😎
I’m running Velocity Dually rims (39mm internal I think) with 3” Chronicles and they are great. Even at low pressures they don’t squirm or pull. I’d look for wider rims.
With 3” plus tyres on my longitude (45mm scraper rims) I still find ‘auto steer’ effect. A combination of relatively steep (by modern standards) head angle, and tyre pressures anything less than firm IMO.
Your pulls to the left maybe just an auto steer type effect too?
Should add I’m 27.5 plus don’t think that alters my possible diagnosis tho
“Pulling left”
Have you tried to replicate this on the other side of the trail?
Serious question, I’m not taking the piss, it could be the camber on the trail causing ‘tramlining’
Unless it absolutely always pulls left, then id be looking to make certain the frame/fork is actually straight.