Having the right tires makes all the difference on a Coleman mini bike. The tires strongly influence how the bike handles, accelerates, and absorbs impacts when riding off-road. Most Coleman models come stock with low pressure knobby tires sized for light trail use. But upgrading to sticky performance rubber or wheels with a different diameter opens up possibilities for customizing your bike’s abilities.
In this article, we’ll break down Coleman mini bike tire sizing conventions and measurement methods. We’ll explain tire codes and terminology to demystify sidewall numbers and letters. We’ll also offer suggestions on the optimal tire sizes and tread patterns to match different riding purposes. Whether optimizing a stock mini bike or upgrading to aftermarket wheels and tires, understanding sizing helps select the best rubber for your Coleman.
Coleman Mini Bike Tire Size Measurements
Like all vehicles, Coleman mini bike tire sizes are designated using a combination of metric and inch measurements along with letter codes. Some key measurements:
– Tire Diameter – The diameter from outer tread edges in millimeters (or inches). dictates overall height.
– Tire Width – Width between sidewalls in millimeters. Wider tires have more cornering grip.
– Rim Diameter – Diameter of the wheel rim bead seat in inches. Must match tire bead diameter.
– Sidewall Aspect Ratio – Sidewall height percentage compared to width. 50 means sidewall is 50% as tall as width.
– Service Description – Letters indicating intended usage – tread type, construction, and speed rating.
For example, a common size is 120/100-10. This is a 120mm wide tire on a 10 inch rim with a 100 series profile. Let’s look closer at sizing conventions and terms.
Coleman Mini Bike Wheel Sizes
The stock wheel size affects overall tire diameters possible and ground clearance. Common options on Coleman and similar mini bikes include:
– 8 inch – Smallest wheels like on pocket bikes. Limit ground clearance and comfort.
– 10 inch – Very common wheel size across many mini bike models providing good clearance.
– 12 inch – Larger wheels with higher ground clearance and rollover ability. Harder acceleration.
– 14 inch – Maximum size on many mini bikes without modification. Prioritizes comfort over nimbleness.
– 16 inch – Uncommon factory – requires big frame modifications. Used on high speed custom builds.
– 19 inch – Aftermarket rear wheels for maximum speed. Requires significant chassis work.
Choosing the ideal wheel diameters depends on your riding environment and whether the bike is stock or highly modified. Larger wheels generally provide better comfort and high speed stability while smaller wheels maximize agility. Many opt for 10-12” as the best all around compromise.
Coleman Mini Bike Tire Sizes by Model
Here are common tire sizes by popular Coleman mini bike model from the factory:
- CT200U – Front: 130/60-12 Rear: 180/70-12
- MB500 – Front: 2.50-10 Rear: 2.50-10
- Black Max BMXBK196 – Front: 2.75-10 Rear: 3.00-10
- CT100U – Front: 2.50-10 Rear: 2.50-10
- BT200X – Front: 2.75-10 Rear: 2.75-10
- MB200 – Front: 2.75-10 Rear: 3.00-10
- OCC Fury – Front: 120/100-12 Rear: 140/100-12
These sizes provide a baseline. But most models allow upgrades to larger wheels and tires if desired. Just ensure enough chassis clearance. Let’s look closer at tire size specs.
Mini Bike Tire Width Considerations
Tire width affect handling traits like:
– Narrower – Less surface contact but lower rotating mass makes acceleration quicker. Narrow tires allow tight corner lean angles.
– Wider – More footprint improves cornering traction and stability. But tougher to flick side-to-side quickly. Wider rubbers are also heavier.
– Frontal Weight Balance – Wider tires rearward help planted feel driving rearward weight balance for aggressive riding.
Fatter rubber upgrades typically range from 110mm up to 150mm wide for most mini bike applications. Mix and match front/rear widths to tune handling. Overall 120-140mm widths offer great all-around traction.
Tire Diameter Effects
Diameter along with wheel size determines:
– Ground Clearance – Larger diameter wheels raise ground clearance allowing traversing rougher terrain. But hurts nimbleness.
– Gearing – Larger tires effectively lower overall gearing. Helps torque but lowers top speed if not regeared properly.
– Stability – More gyroscopic stability from larger rotating mass resists tipping in turns. Improves high speed manners.
– Comfort – Larger air volume smooths out impacts, but also increases unsprung weight.
– Weight – Adds a few pounds of rotating mass hampering acceleration slightly.
For most Coleman mini bikes, moving one size up or down from stock diameters gives a nice blend of clearance, stability, and snappy acceleration.
How Tire Aspect Ratio Affects Handling
The tire’s sidewall height as a percentage of width also impacts performance:
– Lower Aspect – Short sidewalls, like 30 series, give a stiff low profile tire. Reduces sidewall roll in corners for sharper handling.
– Higher Aspect – Taller 50 or 60 series sidewalls allow more flexible sidewall movement, increasing mechanical grip over bumps and during lean. But can also cause vagueness.
– Front vs Rear – Many choose low profile front tires mated to taller rear sidewalls for optimal combo of precision and drive grip.
Don’t go too short and stiff or tall and wallowy. 50 series strikes a good balance for most mini bike setups front and rear.
Tire Tread Patterns and Rubber Compounds
Tire treads come in various patterns and rubber compounds tailored to conditions:
– Broad Knobbies – Offer bite in loose dirt, mud, and other low traction surfaces. The jack-of-all-trades pattern.
– Tight Knobbies – Better penetration and clean-out in deep mud and soft surfaces. Prone to vibrating on pavement.
– Paddle Tires – Big scoop-like tread protrusions for maximum bite in deep mud and sand. Very specialty focused.
– Low Knobbies – Minimal tread with small lugs improves hardpack dirt and asphalt traction while still shedding mud reasonably well. A compromise for mixed usage.
– Street/Slick – Smooth tread or minimal grooves are best for pavement-only use. Dangerously slippery on any loose surfaces when tilted.
Consider tread patterns biased towards your most common riding environments and conditions.Mix it up between front and rear specific needs.
Tire Construction for Mini Bikes
Tire construction also varies:
– Bias Ply – Crisscrossed inner plys make these tires flexible but durable and tolerant of low pressures. The traditional mini bike tire.
– Radial – Stiffer radial inner belts reduce sidewall roll and overheating while optimizing contact. Positives come with decreased puncture resistance.
– Tubeless – Ditching inner tubes allows lower pressure for better traction and prevents dangerous front flats. But requires compatible rims.
For a blend of durability, trail feedback, and versatility, stick with proven bias ply mini bike tires. But test out alternatives to find your preference.
Reading Mini Bike Tire Codes
Putting all those terms together gives you the full tire code. For example:
– 130/80-12:
130 = Section Width (mm)
80 = Aspect Ratio
12 = Rim Diameter (inches)
– 120/100-10 NHS:
120 = Section Width (mm)
100 = Aspect Ratio
10 = Rim Diameter (inches)
NHS = Nylon construction, Mud/Snow tread
These codes help precisely identify tires and give all key dimensions. Look up the full code when sourcing replacements or upgrades.
Best All Around Coleman Mini Bike Tire Sizes
Given all these considerations, here are my picks for versatile Coleman mini bike tire sizes by popular wheel size:
– 10 inch wheels – Front: 110/100-10 Rear: 130/100-10
– 12 inch wheels – Front: 120/100-12 Rear: 140/100-12
These pair a modest width front tire with a wider rear for well-balanced handling. The aspect ratios absorb bumps but resist sidewall roll. Overall diameters allow good clearance while retaining snappy acceleration. Of course, tweak sizes to your specific needs.
Wrapping Up Coleman Mini Bike Tires
Understanding tire sizing conventions and terminology takes the mystery out of how rubber selection impacts mini bike handling. While Coleman’s stock tires work fine for basic recreation, looking at alternatives gives you huge room for tuning performance. Match sizes, construction, tread patterns, and rubber compounds to your riding style and conditions. Mounting the right rubber transforms how your Coleman mini bike performs and handles. Give as much thought to your tires as the bike itself. With the optimal tires bolted on, you’ll feel the difference every time you hit the throttle and turn the bars!
