I brought my MTB into reputable local bike shop to swap out a worn 5 year old tire. Front and back had 2.2" tires that were actually 2.2" wide. Mechanic says he has a new tire of the same kind ("Continental 29 Mountain King 2.2") in stock. I was thinking to go wider but say ok and ask them to install. New tire says "2.2" on the side, but installed and inflated it is 1.8" wide and visibly narrower than front.
Are tires sized like lumber, you take 0.5" off from nominal?
It otherwise seems fine, aggressive tread, etc. Should I care? Am I over thinking this? I'm just a fitness XC rider on single track trails in all kinds of weather.