Gravel Roads

[lankox]

My Moscow feels very unstable on loose gravel roads. The front tire is "loosey goosey" when I hit gravel and I feel like it is a matter of time before I wipe out. Any ideas to increase stability? Thanks!

 

[RGOLD]

I lower the tire pressure to about 30 PSI.

 

[lankox]

I lower the tire pressure to about 30 PSI.

I'm running 35 psi. Not sure if 5 psi will make much of a difference but I'll give it a shot.

 

[jkvt]

I think it's just the nature of the bike. The rear is really heavy compared to the front and the motor has a lot of torque. Maybe try weighing the front down some, although that can also create new problems with the front wheel wanting to whip around when you turn.

For what it's worth I find it hard to not spin the back tire on loose stuff sometimes, at least occasionally, and the front can really "float" some on a steep uphill that is looser dirt. I just lower the assist and plan/compensate for it if I can't avoid those areas. I usually just avoid them.

 

[Presplan]

I’ve only rode the bike on paved rides so far at 45 PSI. What’s the likelihood of getting a flat tire riding on gravel? Should the tire pressure be that low at 30 PSI to help prevent a flat?

 

[Latitude]

I ride my Bontrager Hardcase tires at their minimum 30 PSI rating, and they work well there. Sand and loose gravel do make the bike feel “on edge” though. They are fairly wide, 700 x 50.

 

[FlatSix911]

My Moscow feels very unstable on loose gravel roads. The front tire is "loosey goosey" when I hit gravel and I feel like it is a matter of time before I wipe out.

Any ideas to increase stability? Thanks!

Wider tires and lower pressure will help.

 

[lankox]

Wider tires and lower pressure will help.

There is not much room in the rear for a bigger tire but should be a able to put a bigger one up front. Any issues with having mismatched tire sizes, front to back?

 

[Latitude]

There is not much room in the rear for a bigger tire but should be a able to put a bigger one up front. Any issues with having mismatched tire sizes, front to back?

Interesting question. I don’t know!

 

[Sierratim]

There is not much room in the rear for a bigger tire but should be a able to put a bigger one up front. Any issues with having mismatched tire sizes, front to back?

My MTBing sons always set their MTBs up with wider more aggressive tread tires on the front for better control they tell me. Their rear tires are smoother for sliding around corners...not for me!