So what's the difference between Bias and Radial ATV tires anyway? This is a common question that we receive from customers each day, so I thought I'd write a quick blog post in an effort to help more consumers wondering the same thing.
The main difference is within the actual construction of the tire. The carcass of all tires is made up of layers of rubber fabric or plies. The most common fabric used is polyester. The direction these plies are "laid" in relation to each other, differentiates between a bias ATV Tire and a radial ATV tire. The plies on a bias tire run 45 degrees to the center lin of the tread, alternating in direction with each layer. The net effect of this, is rubber plies running in 90 degree angles to each other.
The plies on a radial ATV tire, run 90 degrees to the center line of the tire and overlap instead of crisscrossing. This design allows the side walls of ATV tires to be more flexible, longer tread life, better steering control, and a better ride across the field.
So which ATV tires are best? It really depends on what you intend to use your ATV for. For pure off-road use, bias tires are probably the best choice. Bias offers better cleaning characteristics, keeping the tire from "balling-up" with mud in those extreme conditions. Bias ATV tires also tend to have softer rubber, allowing for better grip in off-road terrain.
Bias tires also have some disadvantages. They tend not to handle as good at high rates of speed due to their greater flexing. These tires also tend to wear faster.
Radial ATV tires should be considered when used on Quads in both on and off-road settings at high rates of speed. These tires handle better at fast speeds, and tend to allow for better steering as well.
Who makes the best Radial ATV tires? There are several great manufacturers out there. We tend to sell more Carlisle ATV tires than any other brand right now. Carlisle makes the A.C.T. ATV tire in radial design in addition to the Badlands A/R ATV tire. Again, I'm not saying these are the best on the market, but quite simply we sell these 2 radials the most.
For more information, visit our on-line store at http://smalltires.com
Until next time, The ATV Tire Guy is going to hit the trails!! Have fun, be safe, and enjoy riding your ATV!
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