Being given 35"s tire (used but good condition), My friend has both 17 and 18 " tires, my choice. I have to buy wheels either way, I'm 90% street. Wheels seem to be roughly same price. Is there a advantage in 18's over 17's. I don't plan on airing down tires. Thanks for any advice.

 

I recently had 18" wheels and needed new tires. The tires were a good bit more expensive for the 18" wheels. I decided to change to 17" wheels to save on all future purchases.

 

I would say 17's. First, tires are generally cheaper for a 17" wheel than that of a 18" wheel. Second, if you are airing down on the trails, you would want at least half of the 35" diameter to be rubber to help hold the bead. So if you double your wheel size, it shouldn't be greater than your tire size...i.e. 17x2=34 which is less than 35...18x2=36 which is more than 35...

 

many more options in an 17" rim, so long term, that's probably the best bet.

 

Honestly there isn't much difference between the two besides the price. I run 18's because I'm running the factory wheels. They air down fine. Get what you like...

 

What wheels do you have right now?

If it does not matter, keep the same type for all sets.

I have three sets: 33s AT and MT, and 35 MT. All use the OEM 17in. Makes very easy to switch between them.

 

I've got the 18" stock rims and I've been looking at tires and know that there is a fairly big difference in pricing between a 17 and an 18. I can almost afford to get 17's and new steel 17" rims for the price of 18" tires alone. I'm torn . . .

Go with the ones that you've got rims for.

 

17's look great with 35's. More choices and easier on the wallet.

 

Go with the 17's. More of a selection when the time comes to replace them and the price is better!

 

17 is best for 35s imo.