I have the Cruistecs on my 2020 Fat Bob and will be installing them on my 2022 Low Rider ST at the 1000 mile service. They are a great tire so far for me on the Bob so wanted to add them to the LRST rather than wait for the stockers to wear out. Running Bias Front and Rear.

 

Well assuming this is correct, I was wrong. I have a radial front and bias rear. When I ordered there was no option or indication of either, just available sizes. Shrug

 

Curious why you are going Radial vs Bias?

 

How do you like the tires so far?

 

Well I got home from work and wanted to double check if my Metzler Cruistec front tire was Bias or Radial. No “B” or “R” in the tire size on the tire.
150/80-16 M/C 71H

Metzeler Cruistec

The rear tire for sure as it has a “B” in the tire size and says “Bias Ply”

 

Right. If they don't specifically have an "R" before the wheel diameter, it's bias ply.
Some people think that somehow bias ply tires are in some way inferior to radial tires. Unlike car tires, a sturdy carcass that bias ply construction gives the tire is sometimes preferable to a softer sidewall. There's a good reason heavier bikes get a sturdier tire.

 

The reason radials are better for cars is their ability for the side walls to flex keeping more tire tread in contact with the road.
On a bike that leans rolling over on the side wall a bias ply tire is fine. Spot bikes run radials because they are usually weigh a little less.

 

I just thought I would try radials to see if there was anything about them that could be considered advantageous. I have seen some members that have used radials give positive reports on them. When I started the thread I was hoping some of them would give me feedback on their experience. I know they are common on performance bikes that are lighter weight than touring bikes. I guess I'll see if it was a good idea.

 

I also recommend the Cruistecs; they are very good tires. As for radial vs bias-ply, it depends on your riding style. If you like to take the twisties at a faster pace, I recommend the bias-ply tires. If you're a more leisurely rider, radials would be fine. I have had both and I felt the radials didn't work for my aggressive riding style. The bike didn't feel as planted as I would have liked. Keep us posted on your decision. Good luck.

 

Myself, I'm running a Michelin Commander II on my rear and a Michelin Scorcher II on the front of my Fatboy. Both radials.

But like everyone else it seems, I'm going to give the Metzlers a try because I want to run the 260 on my rear.