Whether you are repairing your bike or upgrading your current set-up, choosing the right tires is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. As the only part of the bike that makes contact with the ground, tires can make a big difference to performance and comfort. This guide to bike tire sizes provides all the answers about how to choose bike tires based on your bike type and riding preferences.
Take a look at the bike tire size chart to easily compare tire sizes and their specifications. If you are searching for a new bike, explore the bike size chart to find your perfect fit. Keep reading to learn more about bike tire sizes, or shop all bike tires here to browse the numerous options available.
Bike Tire Size Chart Road Bike Tires Gravel Bike Tires Mountain Bike Tires Fat Bike Tires FAQs
| Tire Size | Width | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 29” (ISO 622) | 2. | Mountain |
| 700C (ISO 622) | 23mm-45mm | Road/gravel |
| 27.5” (ISO 584) | 2.1”-3” | Mountain |
| 3.7”-5” | Fat bike | |
| 650b (ISO 584) | 2.2”-3” 23mm-47mm | Gravel/touring |
| 26” (ISO 559) | 1.6”-3” | Mountain |
| 3.7”-5” | Fat bike |
Wait, what is ISO?
The most reliable description of a tire’s size is the ISO number that tells the diameter of the tire at the tire bead (the inner edge) in millimeters. The International Standards Organization developed this system to make tire sizing consistent across manufacturers.
The most common tire sizes on modern adult mountain bikes are 27.5” and 29”, and the standard road and gravel tire sizes are 700C and 650B.
Keep in mind that bike tire size is dictated by the wheel itself, so the following sizes and their performance characteristics come mainly from the wheel diameter.
That being said, choosing between tire-specific factors like width, tread, and construction is how you really dial in your ride. More on that later in the article.
700C is the most common tire/wheel size for road bikes. Commuter and gravel bikes often utilize 700C as well.
700C tires with narrow widths and smoother tread are better for speed on pavement, and larger widths and tread is better for control on rougher surfaces.
Explore 700C Bike Tires
29 inch is the largest mountain bike tire/wheel size available, and it's ideal for faster top speeds and better rollover capability.
Shorter riders may find them unwieldy, but this tire size has become popular in most styles of mountain biking.
Explore 29 Inch Bike Tires
27.5 inch is the other most common modern mountain bike tire/wheel size.
27.5 inch tires are more nimble than 29ers, so riders who prefer agility over top speed typically like this size.
Explore 27.5 Inch Bike Tires
650B tires are typically found on gravel and touring bikes. They have the same inner diameter as 27.5” mountain bike tires but 650B tires are more geared towards all-terrain, gravel, and adventure riding instead of trails, hence the separate name.
Explore 650B Bike Tires
26" used to be the tire size for almost all adult mountain bikes, but it’s less popular on adult bikes today.
You can sometimes find them on bikes meant for preteens/teens who aren't quite able to ride adult bikes yet. It's also a common size for those traditional models that are still around.
Explore 26 Inch Bike Tires
Kids bike tires sizes usually range from 12 inch to 24 inch tires. Some bigger kids can fit on 26 inch wheels, too. Check out our bike size guide for more info.
Explore Kids Bike Tires
Road tires are smooth and have minimal tread to keep rolling resistance low.
All modern road bike tires are sized as 700C and typically vary in width from 23mm to 32mm. 700C tires meant for paved roads that are wider than 32mm wide usually are designed for commuter and hybrid bikes.
Shop 700C Bike Tires
Shop 650B Bike Tires
The standard 25mm width offers plenty of grip, rolls fast, and weighs much less than beefy mountain bike tires. Wider tire sizes like 28mm and 32mm are increasingly popular due to their low rolling resistance and bigger volume to absorb road buzz.
27” (ISO size 630) is an outdated tire size for older road bike models. It has a slightly larger inner diameter than 700C so these tires won’t fit properly on modern rims. There are still plenty of old road bikes around, though, so some brands still manufacture 27” tires. Shop all road bike tires here to find the perfect set for your bike.
Tread pattern and tire width are the among most important decisions to make when choosing gravel bike tires.
Gravel bikes normally come with 700C wheels, but many models have the option of fitting 650b wheelsets. 650b wheels are a bit smaller which allows you to fit wider tires in the frame for better grip and cushion on rough roads.
Shop 700C Bike Tires
Shop 650B Bike Tires
As gravel biking increases in popularity, so too does the average width of gravel-specific tires. Previously around 35mm, the new standard width is 40mm and that size comes stock on most modern gravel bikes. Riders that tackle especially difficult terrain can choose 42mm or 45mm sizes or install 650b wheels to fit bigger tires.
Not all gravel is created equal and appropriate tread pattern customizes your tires to perform well in different conditions. Low-profile tread is ideal for riding on fine gravel, dirt roads, and in dry weather. Semi-slick gravel tires might look similar to road tires, but they are much wider. Once the terrain gets tough or there is mud, heavy tread with a knobby texture is the right choice.
These high-traction knobs are typically much smaller and closer together than those on mountain bike tires.
Mountain bike tires are measured in inches and range in width from 1.6” to 3” with plenty of distinct tread patterns to suit different terrains.
Before you decide on a specific tire, though, you’ll need to narrow your search according to the size of your wheel— 26”, 27.5” or 29”.
Shop 29" Bike Tires
Shop 27.5" Bike Tires
Shop 26" Bike Tires
Generally speaking, the more technical the terrain, the wider the tire. XC racing or recreational mountain bikes that ride on lighter terrain can get away with widths between 1.6” to 2.2”. The trickier conditions and bigger obstacles in trail or downhill riding mean only tires that measure 2.3”+ will provide enough traction and shock absorption.
Tire tread varies widely among mountain bike tires. XC racing tires need to roll fast, so they have a low-profile tread pattern with knobs placed close together.
Trail, enduro, and downhill tires have larger individual knobs with lots of space between them to better interlock with the ground. Tread patterns in the center of the tire are often different from the tread around the edge. A smoother central texture is great for straight-line speed while large knobs at the edge of the tire can dig into corners for increased grip.
Many mountain bike tires are tubeless, meaning they can hold air without an innertube and are less prone to punctures. This is a popular tire option because riders can run lower bike tire pressure for better traction and don’t have to worry about trail debris poking a hole and causing a flat tire. Other specialty options are studded tires that integrate small metal spikes into each knob to dig into ice or snow. Studded tires can damage dry pavement so are reserved only for icy conditions when grip is at a minimum.
Fat bike tires are the largest bike tires available, ranging from 3.7” to 5.
2” in width. The most common tire width is 4” across, which is sufficient for tough terrain like dirt, snow, and sand. Wider options will be heavier and slower, but offer better traction to navigate loose terrain.
Shop Fat Bike Tires
Fat bike tires come in two diameters that will fit either 26” or 27.5” rims. Anything bigger than that would be a monstrous tire that would be too difficult to steer. Heavy tread patterns with large, widely-spaced knobs give more grip but increase friction with the ground.
Most fat tires are designed for traction, but some have less extreme tread that’s perfect for light trails or smooth dirt. Technically a type of mountain bike tire, fat tires also come in tubeless and studded versions.
It's easy - just take a look at the sidewall of the tire. Riders can easily locate their bicycle tire’s dimensions on the tire sidewall. The measurements are printed or embossed onto the tire (embossed can be difficult to see).
This system allows riders to quickly identify tire size, whether they are shopping for new rubber or figuring out their own tire’s measurements.
In this example, the tire size is 29x2.35. Ardent Race is the model, and EXO and TR provide information about the construction and style of the particular model. Different companies display this information in different ways.
Tire dimensions are described using two numbers— for example 700 x 40c. The first number refers to the diameter and the second number is the tire width.
On a 700x40c tire, the first number indicates that the outside diameter is approximately 700 millimeters. Tread and tire width can affect the overall diameter, so the 700 is always a rough estimate.
The second number is the width, typically given in millimeters on road bikes and inches on mountain bikes. This measurement is important for choosing a tire that will both fit onto the wheel rim and won’t be too large and rub against the frame.
But what does the ‘c’ mean?
We use the ‘c’ to refer to road bike tire sizes. Way back when, French tire manufacturers made road tires in different widths— 700A, 700B, and 700C. The 700C option became the most popular and halted production of the other sizes. And don’t be fooled—the ‘c’ isn’t short for ‘centimeters’. These days, when brands list tire dimensions, the ‘c’ is paired with the width measurements, as in 700x40c.
On a mountain bike, 27.5 x 2.25 means the tire has a diameter of 27.5 inches and a width of 2.25 inches.
The tires are the only place where bikes make contact with the ground, so tire width is crucial to traction and speed. The wider the tire, the more rubber there is touching the road, trail, or other surface. Tires that are relatively wide, such as mountain bike or fat bike tires, use the additional surface area to get extra grip in tricky conditions. Wide tires can allow bikes to safely navigate dirt trails, snowy paths, or muddy routes.
Road bikes use narrow tires to reduce friction with the pavement. Since roads are smoother, harder surfaces than mountain bike trails, wide tires and their added weight aren’t necessary for top performance.
Historically, road cyclists used the skinniest tires available (as narrow as 19mm!) to save weight and be more aerodynamic. They thought that wider tires would also create more friction and slow the bike down. More recently, though, studies have shown that wider tires actually offer lower rolling resistance than ultra-slim tires. This means that tires around 25-28mm roll faster than the traditional 23mm racing option.
Tire tread makes a huge difference to a tire’s performance in specific conditions and terrains. Working together with tire width, tread patterns tailor a tire to certain situations, such as road racing or downhill mountain biking.
Mountain bike tires typically have a heavy tread pattern. Their knobby texture is composed of protruding bits of rubber alongside inset grooves that create more surface area to interlock with the trail and create grip.
Road bikes tires, on the other hand, have little to no tread. Contact with the textured pavement provides sufficient traction and any additional tread would increase friction and slow the bike down. Even in wet conditions, road bike tires are too narrow to hydroplane, so a heavier tread pattern wouldn’t make much of a difference.
It’s time to replace a bike tire when the tread pattern is ‘bald’ or worn down enough that you notice a loss in grip. Riders should also get new tires if there are cuts, slashes, or cracks in the rubber which can occur due to normal use over time and make the tire prone to punctures.
Winter bike tires help riders achieve traction in tricky, low-friction conditions on ice or snow. Wide mountain bike tires or fat tires are appropriate in winter because of their extra surface area to find grip. The most serious winter tires are studded, meaning they have a heavy tread pattern with small metal spikes placed in each knob to dig into the ice.
While technically the same ISO size and inner diameter, most 29” tires won’t fit a 700C rim. 29” mountain bike tires are much wider than 700C tires, so they can’t be installed on narrow road bike rims designed for skinny, low-volume tires.
The older 27” size of road bike wheels are slightly larger than modern 700C road rims. 27” wheels have an ISO measurement of 630 while the standard road bike wheels of today have ISO size 622, meaning they are around 8mm smaller than the outdated size. Depending on the specific tire and rim combination, it can be possible to interchange sizes, but it isn’t recommended.
Yes, bike tires have tread patterns that have a specific direction and work best in that orientation. Even road bikes that have slick or extremely low-profile tread include a designated direction on the sidewall to indicate how they should be installed.
Mountain bike tires have deep grooves and large knobs that provide maximum traction only when pointing in the right direction.
Tubeless tires are installed on a tubeless-compatible rim and filled with enough sealant to quickly seal any punctures that might happen out on the trail. The tire hooks into the rim and is rapidly pumped with air so the tire is held in place by the high bike tire air pressure. The sealant rolling around in the tire plugs any puncture since it dries immediately when it comes in contact with the outside air. Shop bike tire accessories like pumps and sealant here.
Your bicycle’s tires might not be something you think about very often, but they have crucial implications for every aspect of your ride. Better understanding how your mountain, gravel, and road bike tire size is measured can help you fine-tune your equipment, and learning how tire size relates to performance can make you faster when it counts.
What are the basics of bike tire size?
Bike tires are typically measured in two dimensions— diameter and width. The diameter measurement is an approximation of the tire’s total outside diameter including treads, and the width is a measurement of the approximate total width of the tire when mounted and inflated. For mountain bike tires these dimensions are expressed in inches, while a millimeter-based system called French sizing is used for road, gravel, and track. For example, a 29 x 2.25 mountain bike tire is about 29” in diameter and about 2.25” wide, while a 700c x 25 road tire is approximately 700mm in diameter and 25mm wide.
This makes it pretty straightforward to fit a modern tire to a modern rim—a 700c tire will almost definitely fit a 700c road rim (we’ll explain that “c” later), and a 29” tire will likely fit a 29” mountain bike rim. But some obsolete or unusual sizes can be misleadingly labeled, and any tire’s nominal measurements (especially width) are really just approximations.
Rim width and tire pressure can significantly influence the size of a tire when mounted and inflated, and tires often measure a bit larger or smaller when installed than the printed dimension would suggest.
To reduce confusion, most tires are also labeled with a second system of measurements called ISO (formerly known as ETRTO). The ISO measurement displays the tire’s nominal width in millimeters, followed by the diameter of the tire’s bead (the surface that actually attaches to the rim) in millimeters (ex: 25 x 622 is a common road tire). This measurement can help resolve any ambiguity about whether a tire will fit a particular rim, but as with other systems, the ISO measurement of a tire’s width is an approximation and may be impacted by pressure and rim width.
Nearly all modern road bikes use 700c wheels and tires. It used to be widely accepted that narrower tires were faster and 23mm was the standard width. But recent research has proven wider tires to be faster and more comfortable in most situations.
As a result, 700c x 25mm and 700c x 28mm are now the most common road tire sizes; many riders prefer even wider widths of 30mm or 32mm. The limiting factor is usually the bike itself, with some frames unable to accommodate tires beyond a certain width. Most new road frames can at least fit up to 28mm tires but double-check your frame’s allowance before sizing up.
A few other less common wheel and tire sizes exist for road bikes. 650b (ISO 584) and the rarer 650c (ISO 571) are two examples, both sometimes used on bikes for smaller riders. The letter that follows the diameter measurement in French tire sizes originally delineated width, but it’s now mostly just useful to differentiate between similarly-named but incompatible sizes. For instance, a 650b tire will not fit on a 650c rim.
It’s also important to understand the different types of mutually-incompatible road tires. Clinchers are most common; these are the familiar tires that seat into a walled rim around an inner tube.
Certain clincher rims can also be used with tubeless tires, which use a liquid sealant in place of an inner tube. Finally, tubular tires are permanently sewn closed around an internal tube and are glued into a specially-made rim. All 3 of these tire types use the same sizing standards and terminology but are generally not interchangeable.
Tires are printed with a manufacturer’s recommended pressure range, and road riders used to think inflating their tires to the highest possible pressure was fastest. But with the move to wider tires has also come a trend towards lower pressure. The science of tire pressure is complicated, but wider tires require less pressure for the same volume of air than narrower tires, allowing for a more comfortable ride. Additionally, wider tires at lower pressures reduce bouncing and are actually faster on most surfaces than smaller, harder tires.
It’s tough to make a generalized recommendation for pressure—riding conditions, your weight, and the tire’s size all play a part.
But generally, the larger the tire and the rougher the surface, the lower the optimal pressure. With each 3mm increase in tire width, you can usually reduce pressure by 1 Bar (~14 psi). Also, tubeless tires can generally be ridden at lower pressures than tubed tires of the same size. Some tire and rim manufacturers have calculators on their websites that make personalized recommendations for pressure; these are a great starting resource to make your ride faster and more efficient.
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Mountain bike tires are measured in inches and are offered in 3 non-interchangeable diameters corresponding to common mountain bike wheel sizes. Most popular for high-end mountain bikes are 29” tires and wheels. Next come 27.5” setups, preferred by some riders who like smaller, slightly more maneuverable wheels.
And finally, 26” wheels and tires used to be the standard, but are now found mostly on entry-level and kids’ bikes.
Tires at each of these diameters are available in a wide variety of widths, which riders select for the specifics of their discipline and terrain. Cross-country racers usually choose comparatively narrow tires ranging from 1.9” to 2.25” wide. Trail, all-mountain, and enduro bikes are normally equipped with wider tires between 2.25” and 2.4”, and downhill tires are even wider at 2.4” to 2.6”. Finally, fat bike tires are mounted on purpose-built rims and push the boundaries even further, sometimes measuring as wide as 5”. The specifics of tire choice are carefully considered by mountain bikers, with racers often choosing different widths and tread patterns depending on the course and conditions.
Interestingly, most mountain bike wheel sizes are actually the same diameter as road wheels—29” wheels are equivalent to 700c, while 27.5” are the same as 650b. But you wouldn’t want to put tires intended for one on a wheel intended for the other, as the rim’s width is dramatically different for road and mountain bikes and would interfere with the tire’s performance.
Tire pressure is a crucial concern in mountain biking. Small changes in pressure can dramatically impact performance and handling on the trail, and experienced mountain bikers regularly adjust pressure depending on terrain, conditions, riding style, and tire choice.
Because all of these variables are factors to consider, it’s nearly impossible to make a general recommendation for mountain bike tire pressure. Online calculators can help suggest a starting pressure based on equipment, weight, and conditions, but in the end, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and learning from experience. A good strategy is to treat the first few rides on a new setup or in new terrain as experiments. Carry a digital gauge, start with pressure on the higher side, and gradually let a few psi out/ add some pressure back in as you ride to experiment with what works and feels best. Check and record your pressure when you find the sweet spot and use this as your starting point for future rides.
There are a few general principles to keep in mind when finding the right pressure. Typically, the larger your tire, the lower the optimal pressure. Tires with thinner casings require higher pressure, as do heavier riders. Rocky terrain may also necessitate higher pressure to avoid flats, while lower pressures can be used in smooth, grassy, or muddy conditions. Finally, some riders like to use tire inserts, which provide more flat protection and allow a few psi reduction in pressure.
Gravel, cyclocross, and track cyclists also choose specific tire sizes and pressures to optimize performance.
Cyclocross bikes use 700c road wheels, so cyclocross tires are all designed for this standard diameter. In the past, most serious cyclocross racers used tubular tires, but tubeless tires have become increasingly popular over the last few seasons. Tires at CX events have traditionally been allowed up to a maximum width of 33mm, and UCI-governed events still impose this limit.
Non-UCI races often allow larger tires, such as the 38mm maximum width allowed at USA Cycling masters, collegiate, and single speed national championships. Many local events impose no size restrictions at all—check your race’s rules to know for sure.
Gravel bikes used to be repurposed cyclocross bikes, but with dedicated gravel equipment introduced over the last few years tire options have greatly expanded. Most gravel bikes use 700c wheels, but 650b wheels are occasionally used for especially technical trail riding and bikepacking. Most new gravel bikes have clearance for tires ranging up to at least 42 or 45mm width, and some allow for even wider tires. Virtually all gravel riders use tubeless tires.
Gravel tires all balance speed and efficiency with offroad traction. Narrower tires with minimal treads are fastest on hardpack and paved surfaces but offer poor grip in loose corners. Wider tires with more aggressive tread patterns are more capable on loose terrain but roll much more slowly on smooth or paved roads.
Gravel riders choose the width and tread pattern that offers the best balance for their local terrain, but may significantly adjust their tire choice and pressure for different conditions.
Like road bikes, track bikes use 700c wheels. But unlike on the road where slightly wider and softer tires are usually faster, on a smooth track harder and narrower tires have an advantage. For this reason track racers still prefer 21mm – 23mm wide tubular tires inflated to very high pressures—usually 150 psi or more on indoor tracks. Racers on rougher outdoor tracks don’t inflate their tires quite this high, but they still use much more pressure than they would on the road, with relatively narrow tires offering little in the way of puncture protection.
| Tire Size | Use/ Discipline | ISO Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 700c x 23mm – 32mm | Road/Track | 622 |
| 700c x 35mm – 50mm | Gravel and Mixed surface | 622 |
| 650b x 23mm – 25mm | Small road bikes | 584 |
| 650b x 45mm – 50mm | Gravel and Bikepacking | 584 |
26” x 2. 1” – 2.3” | Cross Country MTB | 559 |
| 26” x 2.3” – 2.5” | Trail | 559 |
| 26” x 2.4” – 2.6” | Enduro/ Downhill | 559 |
| 27.5” x 2.1” – 2.3” | Cross Country MTB/ Gravel | 584 |
| 27.5” x 2.3” – 2.5” | Trail | 584 |
| 27.5” x 2.4” – 2.6” | Enduro and Downhill | 584 |
| 29” x 2.1” – 2.3” | Cross Country MTB | 622 |
| 29” x 2.3” – 2.5” | Trail | 622 |
| 29” x 2.4” – 2.6” | Enduro and Downhill | 622 |
bike tire pressurebike tire sizegravel bike tiresmountain bike tiresroad bike tires
in.ua Nikolaev bicycle shop "Sportek"
Published: 01/27/2017
Edited: 06/01/2021
Sooner or later, almost every cyclist faces the question of replacing the rubber on the wheel or the cameras for them.
The easiest way, of course, is to look at the size of the tire currently installed on the bike (it is written on the side of it), and look for exactly the same. On some rims, their landing diameter and width are also written.
In life, everything is always a little more complicated and it often happens that the tire you like has a marking that is not entirely clear or does not match the marking on your rubber. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the old bicycle rubber, which has served for many years, with a more modern one.
What to do? You can’t put a tire on a bike over the Internet, but you don’t want to pay money just like that.
In this article, we will try to help you understand the markings on bicycle tires and find out which of them are interchangeable.
The first thing you need to know when choosing a tire is the size of the wheels. They are usually measured in inches, but sometimes in mm. There are not very many of them and the most common are 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 27.5, 28, 29.
At the same time:
Further, what else you need to know is seat size (diameter) of the rim or BSD (English Bead Seat Diameter). It is the most important and determines the interchangeability of tires.
If this number matches at the rim, tire, or tube, then that tire or tube fits those rims. And if the width of the new rubber can be changed, then the landing size will not change much.
If the size (numbers in mm) is written on the wheel (rim), for example, as in the photos above, they accurately indicate the fit size of the rim and its width, which is the main data for selecting the inner tube and tire for the wheel.
There are several types. The confusion in the designation of sizes began in the middle of the 20th century, and today Great Britain and France use their own designations for marking.
Previously, the sizing system was based on the outside diameter of the tires. It was measured in inches (24", 26", 28") or in millimeters (500, 650, 700, etc.).
Over time, this system lost its meaning, because different products with the same outer diameter wheels (together with the height of the tire) did not match the inner diameter (rim diameter) on which this tire was put on.
There were also marketing moves of manufacturers, and the accuracy of translation and rounding of measurements in inches is lower than in millimeters.0003
To overcome these confusions and bring all sizes to the same standard, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO - International Organization for Standardization) has developed a universal system for designating tire sizes - ISO 5775 . This system was previously known as " ETRTO ". It was proposed by the organization of the same name: ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization or in Russian: "European technical organization for rims and tires").
Where: 28 is the outer diameter in inches and 1 1/8 is its width in inches (one whole and one eighth of an inch). At first it was in the form of a number and a letter, for example, 700C - 700 the outer diameter of the tire is in mm.
The letter determined the width from "A" - the narrowest to "D" - the widest.
Now the marking has acquired a more modern look. For example: 700 x 35C. Here the outer diameter of the tire is 700 mm and its width is 35 mm. The letter at the end indicates the inner (landing) diameter. In this case, "C" is 622 mm.
Note a very important nuance and paradox in inch sizes. Tire sizes can be specified as a decimal fraction, such as 26x1.75, or as a simple fraction, such as 26x1 3/4.
Mathematically, these fractions are equal: 1.75 = 1 3/4.
But, in terms of fit size and tire width in millimeters, this is not always the case, and the most unpleasant thing is that tires with such dimensions can be not interchangeable with .
And this circumstance should always be taken into account when purchasing a new bicycle tire.
In the table below, we have tried to collect the most common tire size designations in different systems and show their compatibility.
Perhaps not all dimensions encountered in life were taken into account, but if you have a tire with dimensions not listed in the table, try to estimate its dimensions based on similar nearest or similar dimensions.
| Rim bore size in mm according to ISO | Tire size in plain and decimal inches | French tire size | Tire size in mm according to ISO (width - bore) | Explanations |
| 681 | 22-681 | Sports track bike B-64 "Record" KhVZ (1958) | ||
| 642 | 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 | 700-28A | 28-642 | Obsolete size |
| 28 x 1 3/8 | 700-35A | 37-642 | ||
| 635 | 28 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 | 700-28B | 32-635 | American, English, Danish, Chinese, Indian road models |
| 28 x 1 1/2, 28 x 1 1/2 x 1 5/8 | 700-38B, 700B Standard | 40-635 | ||
| 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 | 44-635 | |||
| 630 | 27 x 7/8 | 22-630 | Road bikes, including older models | |
| 27 x 1 | 25-630 | |||
| 27 x 1 1/8 | 28-630 | |||
| 27 x 1 1/4 | 32-630 | |||
| 27 x 1 3/8 | 37-630 | |||
| 27 x all options | ||||
| 622 | 29 x all variants | 700C | This size was invented by marketers for tires with a bore diameter of 622 mm. They differ from 28 only in tire height. | |
| 28 x decimal | 700C | For 622 mm tires | ||
| 28 x 3/4 | 700-18C 700x18C | 18-622 | ||
| 700-19C 700x19C | 19-622 | |||
| 28 x 3/4 | 700-20C 700x20C | 20-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 28 x 7/8 | 700-23C 700x23C | 23-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 | 700-25C 700x25C | 25-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 1/8, 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/8 | 700-28C 700x28C | 28-622 | ||
| 28 x 1.20 | 700-30C 700x30C | 30-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 3/4, 28 x 1.5 | 700x38C 700-40C | 40-622 | Road bikes: "Ukraine", "Minsk", "Sura", "Velta", "Aist" (111-321, 111-322) | |
| 28 x 1 1/2, 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/8 | 700C 700x35C 700x38C | 35-622 | Road bikes: "Ukraine", "Minsk", "Sura", "Velta", "Aist" | |
| 27 x 1 1/4, 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 | 700-32C 700x32C | 32-622 | Road and sports touring bikes, "Tourist", "Sport", "Sputnik" | |
| 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 | Obsolete Canadian designation F13 | |||
28 x 1. 4 | 700-35C 700x35C | 35-622 | Road bikes | |
| 28 x 1.5 | 700x38C 700-38C 700-40C 700x40C | 40-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 3/8 x 1 5/8 | 37-622 | |||
| 28 x 1.6 | 700-42C 700x42C | 42-622 | ||
| 28 x 1.6 | 700-44C 700x44C | 44-622 | ||
| 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 | 700-45C 700x46C | 45-622 | ||
| 28 x 1.75, 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 | 700-47C 700x47C | 47-622 | ||
| 28 x 2.00 | 700-50C 700x50C | 50-622 | ||
| 600 | 22 (23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30)-600 | Old Soviet sports and track bikes | ||
| 599 | 26 x 1.25, 26 x 1.375 | 32-599 | Very old American light bicycles. | |
| 26 x 1 7/8 | 47-599 | ZiF (Penza) 190-535 "Samson" | ||
| 597 | 26 x 1 1/4 (EA1) (England) | 32-597 | English old sports and club bikes. | |
| 26 x 1 3/8 (S-6) | 37-597 | Light bicycles of the American firm Schwinn. | ||
| 590 | 26 x 1 1/8 | 28-590 | Soviet bicycles ZiF (Penza) "Diana", "Prima", "Turn", "Relay", "Sura", "Breeze", "Temp" American and English 3 and 10 speed. | |
| 26 x 1 1/4 | 32-590 | |||
| 26 x 1 3/8 (E.A.3) (England) | 650A | 35-590 | ||
| 26 x 1 3/8 | 650-35A 650x35A | 37-590 | ||
| 26 x 1 5/8 | 44-590 | |||
| 587 | 700D | Old size on some GT models | ||
| 584 | 27. 5 x 1.50 | 650x38B | 40-584 | French road bikes, touring bikes with cargo, tandems, some Raleigh (USA), old Schwinn mountain bikes |
| 26 x 1 1/2 | 650B | 37-584 | ||
| 27.5 x 1.5 | 40-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 1.65 | 44-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 1.75 | 47-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2 | 52-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2.1 | 54-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2.25 | 57-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2.3 | 60-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2.4 | 62-584 | |||
| 27.5 x 2.8 | 70-584 | |||
| 571 | 26 x 3/4 | 650x20C | 20-571 | Triathlon, time trial, small road bikes, some French Peugeot bikes. |
| 26 x 7/8 | 650x23C | 23-571 | ||
| 26 x 1 | 650C | 23-571 | ||
26 x 1. 75 | 47-571 | |||
| 26x1 3/4 (S-7) | Road Schwinn | |||
| 559 | 26 x 1.0 | 25-559 | Most mountain bikes. Classic landing diameter for 26 wheels. | |
| 26 x 1.25 | 32-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.35 | 35-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.4 | 37-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.5 | 40-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.6 | 44-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.75 26 x 1.75 x 2 | 47-559 | |||
| 26 x 1.95 | 50-559 | |||
| 26 x 2.00 | 52-559 | |||
| 26 x 2.10 | 54-559 | |||
| 26x2.15 | 55-559 | |||
26 x 2. 25 | 57-559 | |||
| 26 x 2.3 | 60-559 | |||
| 26 x 2.4 | 62-559 | |||
| 26 x 3.0 | 75-559 | |||
| 26x3.7 | 95-559 | |||
| 26 x 4.00 | 100-559 | |||
| 26x4.5 | 115-559 | |||
| 26x4.8 | 120-559 | |||
| 547 | 24x1 1/4 | English children's and American firm Schwinn | ||
| 24x1 3/8 (S-5) | Schwinn American children's bicycles | |||
| 540 | 24 x 1 1/8 | 600A | 28-540 | Children's English and European bicycles, most wheelchairs |
| 24 x 1 1/4 | 32-540 | |||
| 24 x 1 3/8(E-5), 24 x 1 3/8 A | 37-540 | |||
| 533 | 24 x 1 1/2 | 37-533 | "Salute", "Altair", "Ervi", "Eaglet", "Erelyukas", "Swallow" ("Kregzdute", "Kregzhdute" - Siauliai bicycle factory "Vairas" Lithuania). Be careful when replacing as not all 24" tires will fit 533 wheels. | |
| 531 | 24 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 | 44-531 | ||
| 520 | 24x1 | 25-520 | Road wheels for children's bikes | |
| 507 | 24 x 1.5 | 40-507 | Children's mountain. "Salute", "Altair", "Ervi" | |
| 24 x 1.75 | 47-507 | |||
| 24 x 1.95 | 50-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.0 | 51-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.125 | 54-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.25 | 57-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.35 | 60-507 | |||
24 x 2. 5 | 62-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.6 | 65-507 | |||
| 24 x 2.75 | 70-507 | |||
| 24 x 3.0 | 75-507 | |||
| 501 | 22 x 1.0 | 25-501 | European bikes | |
| 22 x 1 1/4 | 32-501 | |||
| 22 x 1 3/8 | 37-501 | |||
| 490 | 550-28A | 28-490 | European Road Kids Bikes | |
| 22 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 | 550-32A | 32-490 | ||
| 22 x 1 3/8 | 550-35A | 37-490 | ||
| 489 | 22 x 1.0 | 25-489 | European bikes | |
| 22 x 1 3/8 | 37-489 | |||
| 22 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 | 40-489 | |||
22 x 2. 00 | 50-489 | |||
| 457 | 22 x 1.75 to 2.125 | Children's bicycles | ||
| 451 | 20 x 1 1/8 | 28-451 | BMX for light riders, light children's bikes, some ligerades. Wheels on some types of wheelchairs. | |
| 20 x 1 1/4 | 30-451 | |||
| 20 x 1 3/8 | 37-451 | |||
| 445 | 20 x 1 1/4 | 30-445 | "Schoolboy" (old Soviet models) | |
| 440 | 500-28A | 28-440 | European folding, children's bikes | |
| 500-35A | 37-440 | |||
| 20 x 1 1/2 | 500-38A | 40-440 | ||
| 438 | 20 x 1 3/8 | 37-438 | European bikes | |
| 20 x 1 3/8 1 1/2 | 40-438 | |||
| 432 | 20 x 2 1/2 | 40-432 | European bikes | |
| 428 | 20 x 2. 00 | 54-428 | European bikes | |
| 419 | 20 x 1 3/4 | Schwinn American children's bicycles | ||
| 406 | 20 x 1.25 | 32-406 | Most BMX bikes, kids and folding models. "Venta" (folding model 175-811). "Stork" (folding, model 113-322) "Tisa-2", "Cross", "KAMA", "DESNA", "Schoolnik", "Velta Kama", "Dubisa" (Siauliai bicycle factory), "Eureka" and other folding and old Soviet models. Folding "Mustang" | |
| 20 x 1.35 | 35-406 | |||
| 20 x 1 3/4 20 x 1.5 | 40-406 | |||
| 20 x 1.75, 20 x 1.75 x 2 | 47-406 | |||
| 20 x 1.95 | 50-406 | |||
| 20 x 2.00 | 54-406 | |||
20 x 2. 125 | 57-406 | |||
| 20 x 2.35 | 60-406 | |||
| 20 x 2.5 | 62-406 | |||
| 20 x 2.6 | 65-406 | |||
| 20 x 2.75 | 70-406 | |||
| 20 x 3.0 | 75-406 | |||
| 390 | 18 x 1 1/8 | 450-28A | 28-390 | Children's European bikes |
| 18 x 1 3/8 | 450-35A | 37-390 | ||
| 450-55A | 55-390 | |||
| 387 | 18 x 1 1/2 | 37-387 | Children's European bikes | |
| 369 | 17 x 1 1/4 | 32-369 | Bicycles Alex Moulton | |
| 355 | 18 x 1 1/8 | 28-355 | Children's bicycles | |
18 x 1. 25 | 32-355 | |||
| 18 x 1.35 | 35-355 | |||
| 18 x 1.5 | 40-355 | Birdy folding bikes. | ||
| 18 x 1.6 | 42-355 | Children's bicycles | ||
| 18 x 1.75 | 47-355 | |||
| 18 x 1.95 | 50-355 | |||
| 18 x 2.0 | 54-355 | |||
| 18 x 2.125 | 57-355 | |||
| 349 | 16 x 1 1/8 | 28-349 | Old Moulton, Brompton and other folding bicycles, ligerade front wheels, children's bicycles. | |
| 16 x 1 1/4 16 x 1.25 | 32-349 | |||
| 16 x 1.35 | 35-349 | |||
| 16 x 1 3/8 | 37-349 | |||
| 340 | 400-30A | 28-340 | Children's European bikes | |
| 16 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 | 400-32A | 32-340 | ||
| 16 x 1 3/8 | 400-35A | 37-340 | ||
| 16 x 1 5/8 | 400A | 44-340 | ||
| 335 | 16 x 1 3/8 | Children's Polish bicycles | ||
| 330 | 16 x 1 1/2 | 400-38B | 40-330 | Children's bicycles |
| 317 | 16 x 1 3/4 | Schwinn American children's bicycles | ||
| 305 | 16 x 1. 5 | 40-305 | Children's bicycles, folding, touring and some ligerades. | |
| 16 x 1.75 | 47-305 | |||
| 16 x 1.95 | 50-305 | |||
| 16 x 2.0 | 54-305 | |||
| 16 x 2.125 | 57-305 | |||
| 16 x 2.5 | 62-305 | |||
| 298 | 14 x 1 1/4 | 350-32A | 32-298 | Carriages, children's bikes, balance bikes |
| 288 | 14 x 1 3/8 | 350A, 350-35A | 37-288 | Children's bicycles, balance bikes |
| 14 x 1 5/8 | 350-38A | 40-288 | ||
| 14 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/8 | 350-42A | 44-288 | ||
| 14 x 1.75 | 47-288 | |||
| 279 | 14 x 1 1/2 | 350-38B | 40-279 | Children's bicycles, balance bikes |
| 254 | 14 x 1. 5 | 40-254 | Children's bicycles, balance bikes | |
| 14 x 1.75 | 47-254 | |||
| 14 x 2 | 54-254 | |||
| 239 | 12 1/2 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 | 300-32A 300x32A | 32-239 | Children's bicycles, balance bikes |
| 205 | 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 | 56-205 | Children's bicycles "KVD", balance bikes, sometimes suitable for baby carriages ("Dutik" tires) | |
| 203 | 12 x 1.75 12 1/2 x 1.75 12 1/2 x 1.9 | 47-203 | Small children's bicycles, balance bikes, baby carriages | |
| 12 x 1.95 | 54-203 | |||
| 12 x 2.0 | 50-203 | |||
| 12 x 2.125, 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 R | 57-203 | |||
| 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 | 62-203 | |||
| 176 | 55-176 | Tires for tricycles, scooters, balance bikes for small children, wheelbarrows and carts, prams | ||
| 152 | 10 x 2 | 54-152 | ||
| 137 | 8 x 1 1/4 | 32-137 |
29 tires differ from 28 only in height. Tire width selection is more flexible than rim diameter.
Rim widths are measured and marked in millimeters as shown in the figure at the beginning of the article.
How to measure the width of the rim is described in a separate article here.
| Rim width in mm | Tire width in mm and inches | Bicycle type |
| 13 | 18 - 25 mm (1") | road and cyclocross models |
| 15 | 23 - 32 mm (1" - 1.25") | |
| 17 | 25-37 mm (1" - 1.5") | light cross-country and hybrid models |
| 18 | 28 - 44 mm (1.1" - 1.75") | heavy cross-country and hybrid models |
| 19 | 28 - 60 mm (1.1" - 2.35") | MTB (mountain bikes, mountain bikes) |
| 20 | 28 -47 mm (1. 1" - 2") | cycling and light extreme |
| 21 | 35 - 50 mm (1.4" - 2") | |
| 23 | 40 - 50 mm (1.5" - 2.1") | extreme cycling |
| 25 or more | 44 - 57 mm (1.75" - 2.25") | |
| 32 | 75 mm (3") and over |
This table shows guide data for a medium bike. Use it not as a dogma, but as a guideline for selection.
Some manufacturers give their own tables for the tires they produce, according to which they need to be selected for their wheel.
The tire width affects rolling and grip. The wider - the better the grip, cornering control, but the worse the roll.
It is considered optimal if the width of the tire is 1.5-2.1 times wider than the inner width of the rim. It is possible and 2.5 times, but this is already an amateur.
The tire-to-rim width ratio affects the tire's cornering behavior. Too wide tires mounted on a narrow rim can simply break. will have a pear-shaped profile.
Further, if the wheel is equipped with toothy rubber, then the side spikes on the tread will not be where they should be for sure grip in the turn.
With wide tires on a narrow rim, the side studs will be too high and will not hold properly in the turn.
On narrow tires with a wide rim, the spikes will be from below and with a good slope, the bike will ride on the sidewall, and she is bald.
Below is the famous table compiled by Georg Boeder of tire and rim width recommendations
fractional inches) here.
Comments (132)
x
Every bicycle wears out a little as it is used.
This also applies to bicycle tires, which are very important to change in a timely manner. To do this, you need to know the tire markings. It is necessary to be guided by the parameters set by the manufacturers. It should be borne in mind that the wheel, or rather its size, directly affects the parameters of a bicycle tire.
How to determine parameters
EC
Most modern manufacturers use the European marking according to the ETRTO classification. This abbreviation stands for European Tire and Rim Technical Organization.
The following indicators apply here:
By the way, Soviet-made bicycle tires had reverse double markings. The inner diameter of the tire was in first place, the width of the chamber was indicated in the second place.
To date, the marking adopted in Europe is considered the most accurate and convenient in comparison with the rest.
Dimensioning in inches
This application of indicators also consists of two numbers listed through a multiplication sign or a fraction. For example, if the values are 28 x 1.4, then 28 equals the outer diameter of the tire, and 1.4 is its intended width in inches.
French
French marking may have the following meaning: 700 x 35C. Local manufacturers put down numerical values for width, inner diameter and outer diameter. Therefore, in this case, the figure 700 is the approximate value of the outer diameter. In turn, the designation "C" determines the inner diameter. The indicator decreases with the movement of the letter to the beginning of the alphabet. Therefore, "A" is the smallest, and "D" is the largest. In the above example, the value "C" defines an internal diameter of 622 mm. This system of recording values is not applicable to all bicycles (for example, not used for mountain bikes).
How to determine the bore diameter?
So, if you need a bicycle tire, you should initially select the diameter of the wheel rim.
Diameter size 28 and 29 equals 622 mm. These two tires differ only in height and thickness.
27.5-inch wheels require a bore diameter of 584 and 590 mm.
