Help me choose - 14" or 12"???? Thanks.

[ClemsonChad]

Well, I'm back after months of holding off on putting new wheels on my 700 Grizz. I think I've decided on the SS-212 machined wheels with 28" Zillas. Now I need some opinions on the wheel size and dimensions. I'm leaning towards the 14" but I'm not set on this by any means.

Also, I found a deal on ebay for $699 for the 14" wheels with 28" Zillas for $699 and free shipping. Does this sound like a good deal?

Thanks!

[desertdweller]

It really depends on what type of riding your doing and the type of trails.
Your going to have to give us more info buddy.

[ClemsonChad]

Originally Posted by desertdweller

It really depends on what type of riding your doing and the type of trails.
Your going to have to give us more info buddy.

Sorry. Mostly wooded trails and farm land. We also do some riding in muddy areas, but not as much as typical trail riding.

[MEXHUSKY357]

GOING WITH A 14" WHEEL IS GOING TO GIVE YOU BETTER SIDEWALL STIFFNESS, STIFFER RIDE AND BETTER HANDLING. WITH THE 12" ITS GOING TO FEEL LIKE THE FRONT END IS WASHING MORE IN THE TURNS. ESPECIALLY ON A 28" TIRE. YOU WILL GAIN SUM TRACTION THO RUNNING LOW PSI'S AND A SOFTER RIDE WITH THE 12'S. IF YOUR INTO MUDDING AND RIDING AT SLOWER SPEEDS GO WITH THE 12'S. IF YOUR INTO THE LOOKS AND RIDE ALIL FASTER YOU MIGHT WANNA GO WITH THE 14'S

[AKMuddy]

Refer to this thread on 12 vs 14 inch wheels...

What do you guys think??

[Grizzly4fun]

Yeah...have read recently about issues with 14" wheels and having issues with rim vulnerability and effecting bead and ability to hold air. Form vs function? Follow through with your research before buying.
Good luck, and post pics when you're done!

[ClemsonChad]

Thanks guys. Am I going too large with 28" tires?

[Grizzly4fun]

You may get a deal on 28" tires and 12" or 14" wheels, but you may soon be in the market to spend more to modify other areas to compensate for the larger tires.(primary sheave mods/shim/weights/machined sheave, secondary spring, clutch springs, lift, etc)
I all depends on how and where you want to ride.
Good luck!

[ClemsonChad]

I stopped by ATV Outfitters today (great help from Maurice by the way), and I'm now down to either the original 26" Big Horn or 27" Zillas. Actually, I left decided on the Big Horn on 14" rims. However, after talking to one of the guys I ride with (he has Vampires), he said his preference would be the mud tire Zilla. He also suggested I consider the 12". This is a $600+ decision, so I want to make the right one!

Any other thoughts!?? Thanks again.

[olddog2]

I'm stuck on 14's because of the handling. I do a lot of mud too. And I don't see that the other bikes that ride with me do better in the mud than I do, 'cause I usually pull 'em out. I do trail and mud. If you have ever headed into a turn going downhill you'll definitely want the 14's. And IMO 27's are bid enough even though the Zillas run smaller than listed. (I run 27" Zillas and 27" GBC Spartacus radials (not at the same time) both on 14" ITP's. Get the 14's.

[ClemsonChad]

Thanks. I think I've read where you are a big proponent of the radials over the Zillas, correct? I just don't want to regret not getting the Zillas, but I want the best tire for my riding. As for the weight issue, I understand that the 27" Zillas and the 26" BHs weigh basically the same, so I should be okay. I don't want much power loss, and I don't want to have to do any clutch mods right now.

[DSCZ71]

Everything i read about 27 inch zillas on a 700 suggest that the difference between them and stock tires is insignificant and you will not need to do any clutch mods. Dont get Big horns if you plan on doing any mud riding. I would stay away from 14 inch rims unless going with at least 28 inch tires.