How to find the right size bike tire


Choosing the Right Tires for Your Bike | MEC

Replacing tires on your bicycle can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to look for. They come in a lot of different sizes and there’s often a pretty big difference in prices, too. To help you choose the right tire for your bike, here’s what to think about:

  • When to replace bike tires: Tips to know when it’s time to swap your tires to prevent punctures.

  • Bike tire sizes: Find out what tire size you need for your bike.

  • Tread patterns: The best tires for bike commuter will be different than for mountain bikers.

  • Are all tires created equal?: Learn what changes the prices of tires to decide if you’d like to have those features.

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When to replace bike tires

Knowing when to replace a tire is a great way to avoid being stranded on the side of the road or having to walk back to the trailhead.

What to look for

  • Minor cuts in the tire aren’t too problematic. But if you see any cuts that are deep enough to show the casing, cause bulges, or allow to you see the inner tube, it’s time to replace the tire.

  • If you’ve worn the rubber down to a point where you see any of the tire casing, you’re lucky to have made it this far! Get some brand new rubber.

  • Tires that look dry and cracked mean the rubber has lost its elasticity and is a problem waiting to happen.

Some road bike tire brands have wear indicators that show when your tires are past their prime. If there are no wear indicators on the tire, you can look at the tread, head on. If the tire looks squared off in the centre of the tread – instead of making a nice round shape – that tells you that a significant amount of tread has worn off.

On mountain bike tires, take a look at the centre lugs. Worn-down lugs are rounded and much smaller compared to a new set of tires. The lugs directly affect the tire’s ability to stop and accelerate effectively.

What’s the right tire size for my bike?

Most modern bikes will be equipped with one of four wheel sizes, and you’ll need to know what size your wheels are so you can get tires that fit. Look at the side of the tires currently on your bike to find out the size.

Look at the side of your current tires to see what size you need.

1. The first number is the tire diameter. The most common options are 26in., 27.5in. and 29in. for mountain bikes, and 700 for road bikes. Start your search for a new tire with this number. Buying a tire with the incorrect diameter will make it impossible to install it on your wheel.

2. The second number is the width of the tire. This number is expressed in inches for mountain bike tires and in millimeters for road tires. Learn more about the best tire widths for your bike below.

What is the best bike tire width?

Each tire on mec. ca shows the tire width measurement under “tire size” in the tech specs. The width is the second number (e.g., 27.5 x 2.80 means a 2.8in. tire width; 700 x 32 means a 32mm width).

You have a little bit of room to play with width. While you don’t want to buy a tire that is wildly wider or narrower than the one your bike came equipped with, there’s usually a little bit of wiggle room in either direction.

Wider tiresNarrower tires
ProsMore comfort and gripResist pinch flats better because of high volume inside the tireLower rolling resistanceLighter and more aerodynamic
ConsHigher rolling resistance and heavier, which slows you downLess comfortableNot as grippy, since you need to have them at a higher pressure to prevent pinch flats

The tire width that’s right for you depends on the type of bike you’re riding:

Road biking tire widths

The width that seems to have won the heart of most road riders is 25mm; it offers a good balance of comfort, grip and speed. 28mm tires are also becoming more common, as they give you more comfort on rougher roads with minimal drawbacks.

Not long ago, 23mm tires were all the rage but riders who’ve switched to wider tires haven’t looked back. Whatever width you choose, make sure that your bike has enough clearance to fit the tire so it doesn’t rub on the frame.

Shop road cycling tires

Bike commuting tire widths

Bike commuters will benefit from a mix of comfort and performance to handle the road and changing conditions. Look for tires with widths from 32–42mm.

Shop bike commuter tires

Mountain bike tire widths

Mountain bike tires have a large range of widths. Cross-country riders generally use narrower tires, while downhill mountain bikers tend to go for wider ones.

  • XC riders often opt for tire widths between 2in. and 2.35in.

  • Trail, all-mountain and enduro bikes benefit from added volume to increase traction and comfort. A good place to start is in the 2. 25–2.4in. range.

  • Plus-sizes bikes offer more clearance to accommodate tires in the 2.6–3.0in. range. These provide amazing traction and comfort in all trail conditions.

Shop mountain biking tires

Gravel riding tire widths

If you’re looking for the perfect tire width for your adventures on unpaved and gravel roads, 36–48mm is where it’s at. You’ll get a much smoother ride and increased traction when cornering on unpaved roads. Check your frame clearance to ensure it’s compatible with the tires you’re eyeing.

What tread pattern is best for my riding?

Different tread can give you more grip and traction, smoother and faster rides, or a mix of both.

Road bike tire treads

Slick tires mean less rolling resistance (which usually means faster). They sometimes have small channels along the edges for water to escape from under the tire and improve traction when cornering.

Commuter bike tire treads

These vary from slick to semi-slick. A semi-slick tire has a smooth middle part with small lugs along the edges to give some traction when you take shortcuts on unpaved roads. If you commuter in winter, you may want to consider tires with studs – they’re great for extra grip on ice.

Mountain bike tire treads

The amount, size and position of treads varies a ton depending on the riding you do:

  • Cross-country riders on rolling, firmly packed trails with little roots and rocks can get away with smaller, tightly spaced treads. These have the lowest rolling resistance and still allow you to move effectively on the trails.

  • Trail, all-mountain and enduro riders need tires to roll efficiently and still give traction when the trails gets rowdy. The centre of the tread generally features ramped lugs that are close to each other, while the edges have large lugs that come into play when cornering at speed. It’s also common to see enduro racers with different front and back tire. The most aggressive and grippy tire is mounted on the front wheel, while the rear tire is focused on lower rolling resistance.

  • Downhill riders need tires to optimize traction. In muddy conditions, tires with big, tall lugs that have spacing between them helps shed the accumulated grit.

Expensive vs. affordable tires: what do you get?

At first glance, the difference between two tires may not be all that obvious. But once you know what to look for, you’ll see where those extra dollars go.

Bike tires are made of more than just the rubber tread. They also have a fabric-like carcass layer, a bead, and can also have a puncture protection layer or even studs for winter riding.

Wire vs. folding tire beads

When talking about tire beads, you’ll hear “wire bead” and “folding bead”. A wire bead is made of steel and can’t be folded on itself without damaging the tire. These tires need to be stored completely open, are heavier than tires with a folding bead, and are usually the cheaper option.

In most tires with a folding bead, Kevlar is used in place of steel. Kevlar is extremely resistant to stretching while remaining flexible. Folding tires are much easier to transport as they can be folded on themselves and are also lighter than a wire-bead equipped tire; they’re usually the more expensive option.

Shop wire bead tiresShop folding tires

Tire carcass and TPI (thread per inch)

Under the top rubber layer is the carcass, which looks a lot like a piece of fabric. The TPI count of a tire carcass influences how pliable and supple it is. Higher-end tires will have a high TPI count, which creates a smoother ride, increase traction and roll faster. A lower TPI count results in a tire that isn’t as smooth and fast, but usually comes at a lower price and can be more durable.

Not all rubber is created equal

Every manufacturer has their own secret rubber recipe to create the right balance of grip, rolling resistance and wear resistance for their intended use. Some tires even use multiple compounds in a single tire, so it can have a firm rubber in the centre and softer, grippier rubber along the edges.

Tubeless-ready tires

Tubeless-ready tires are designed to be used without a tube, which means the tire needs to hold air without blowing off the wheel. Tubeless-ready tires, especially for road bikes, require a bead that’s designed to stay in place without any stretching. This special bead is generally made of carbon fibre to ensure it stays perfectly put, which makes these more expensive.

To learn more, check out our article on tubes vs. tubeless for mountain biking.

Shop tubeless-ready tires

Puncture protection

Bike commuters know how frustrating it is to get a puncture on the way to work. A layer of material designed to prevent punctures makes a difference during wet commutes where road grime gets on the shoulder. While tires with extra puncture protection helps, it’s always a good idea to know how to fix a flat tire too.

Shop all bike tires

Related articles

  • How to fix a flat bike tire

  • Getting ready for winter riding

  • Mountain bike wheel sizes: 27.5in. vs. 29in.

How to Pick the Right Bicycle Tube Size

Let’s be honest – tubes are a bit weird. Wiggly black bands of rubber, tubes are tedious to install, constantly need to be re-inflated and can be defeated by the tiniest thorns. When it comes time to purchase a new tube, how do you know which one to select?

Between the dozens of size options and the various valve stem types (Presta, what is that?), selecting the correct tube for your bike can be challenging. Check out our video below, or scroll down for a quick photo guide to help you select the perfect tire tube for your bicycle:

 

Step 1: Picking the Right Tube Size

There are two important dimensions you must know when selecting a tube: The diameter of your wheel and the width of your tire. You need both to select the correct tube size. These dimensions can be found on your tire: Diameter x Width.

The first number is the diameter of your wheel. Sizes such as 26, 24, 20, 27.5, 29 and 700c are common tire diameters. The second number (after the X) is the width of your tire. The range for widths is usually between 1 and 3 inches. For example, a 26 x 1.75 size means the tire diameter is 26 inches and the tire width is 1.75 inches.

While your diameter measurement needs to be exact, your width measurement does not. Because inner tubes stretch, they typically come in a range of widths. For example, one of our most popular tubes is the 26 x 1.75-2.125” which means it fits a 26-inch diameter tire with a width in the range of 1.75 to 2.125 inches.

Some tires have dimensions in millimeters, but the basic measurement structure is still the same: Diameter x Width. Instead of inches, you will instead see something like 700c x 18 mm. The letter at the end of the tire diameter is a carryover from an old French system that used letters a, b and c to designate inner wheel rim diameters.

Step 2: Picking the Right Valve Stem

After you know your tube size, you need to select your valve stem type. The valve stem is the metal part of the bicycle wheel that sticks out and allows air to go into (and stay in) your tire. There are three types of valve stems: Schrader, Presta and Woods/Dunlop. The Woods (or Dunlop) valve stem is extremely rare and typically only found in the Netherlands or Asia, so we won’t spend any time on it here.

Schrader valves, on the other hand, are the most common valve stems found on bicycles. The most recognizable of the bunch, sometimes they are referred to as standard valves. An easy way to remember if you have a Schrader valve is to think of the “S.” Schrader valves are short, sturdy and standard. If you don’t know what valve stem you have, it is likely a Schrader.

The last valve stem type is Presta. Presta valves are traditionally found on higher-end bicycles preferred by professional cyclists. Think of the “P” in Presta standing for professional, performance and premium. If you have a Presta valve, you usually know it.

Step 3: Durability -- Self-Sealing or Basic Tubes?

The last consideration you need to keep in mind when selecting a tube is durability. There is no reason for you to suffer from flat tires - Riding flat free can be a reality. Self-sealing tubes are heavy duty and designed to stop flats for up to two years! To gain that type of protection, you need to purchase tubes that come pre-installed with Slime tire sealant.

Alternatively, if you already have empty tubes, but want the protection that self-sealing tubes provide, you can insert the tube sealant yourself. Learn more about tube protecting sealant here.

Congratulations, you are now a tube expert! When purchasing tubes, if you consider tire size, valve stem type and durability needs, then you will never select the wrong tube again. Go forth and start riding!

How to choose the size of a bicycle tire. What types of markings and interchangeability of bicycle tires.

How to choose the size of a bicycle tire. What types of markings and interchangeability of bicycle tires. https://www.sportek.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 following questions will be considered in the article:

  • bicycle wheel sizes;
  • types of bicycle tire markings;
  • interchangeability of bicycle tires in terms of fit diameter and width.
  • selection of tire width from rim width

Wheel dimensions or more precisely rim dimensions

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:

  • 16, 18, 20 - installed on children's bicycles;
  • 20, 24 - for teenagers
  • 26 - for mountain and downhill bikes
  • 26 and above - for adult models.

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.

Bicycle tire label

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").

Types of markings for bicycle tires:

  1. Marking according to ISO specifications (ETRTO). The most accurate, understandable and convenient. Describes in millimeters all the necessary dimensions. For example, 28-622, where 28 mm is its width and 622 mm is inner (landing) diameter .
  2. Fractional marking in inches, type 28x1 1/8. 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).
  3. Marking in inches in decimal fraction. For example: 26x1.75. Similarly: 26 - is the outer diameter of in inches, and 1.75 is the width. What is the difference between simple and decimal fractions in these notations, and what problems does this bring, we will talk a little lower.
  4. Designation of dimensions in the form of several numbers in inches: 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/8. Where: 28 - is the outer diameter of in inches, 1 5/8 is the height of the bike tire in inches (one whole and five eighths of an inch), 1 3/8 is its width in inches (one whole and three eighths of an inch).
  5. French mark. In our country, it is less common, however, on wheels made in Europe or for Europe, it is often applied.

    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.

  6. On the old Soviet bicycle tires, the marking was also in millimeters, but it looked like 533x37. Those. first inner diameter tire (rim size ) - 533 mm, and then its width - 37 mm. (instruction for Soviet bicycles: "SPORT", "Salyut")

The problem of decimal and fractional tire sizes in inches

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.

Table of interchangeability (compatibility) and ratios of tire sizes in different marking systems

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
37-622

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).
This is the Soviet standard and tires with a diameter of 533 mm are available only with a width of 37 mm.

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

In short, we can say that adult bikes have a seat diameter for:

  • 28 and 29 wheels - 622 mm. 29 tires differ from 28 only in height.
  • 27.5 inches - 584 and 590 mm. For these wheels, you need to be careful when choosing rubber, since both landing diameters fit them and often the size “26 x …” is written on tires suitable for these wheels.
  • 26" - 559 mm

Small but interesting nuances regarding tire width:

  1. Tire width written on it does not always coincide with its actual width. In most cases, it depends on the pressure in it and the methods of measuring the width, especially on studded tires.
  2. Moreover, it sometimes does not coincide with mathematics. For example, a width of 2.125 inches is 54 mm (2.125 * 25.4 = 53.98 mm), but manufacturers, especially Chinese ones, stubbornly write 57 mm on it, although this applies more to a width of 2.25 inches.
  3. That is why, relative to the width written on the tire, calmly, and not with accounting accuracy.

How to choose the right bicycle tire width

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.

Dependence of tire width on rim width for different types of bicycles:

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.

If the tire is narrower than the rim:

  • the chance of punctures is much higher
  • rims can be damaged

If the tire is much wider than the rim:

  • Poor handling at low speed.
  • Tires wear out faster - especially the sidewall.
  • Even with a slightly inflated tire, the handling of the bike is greatly impaired.
  • The possibility of it breaking off the wheel rim during a sharp turn increases.

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.

Articles about tires:

  1. Which tire to choose for a bike
  2. What do the numbers and inscriptions on bicycle tires mean
  3. Is it possible to put different tires on different wheels of a bicycle and how to choose them?
  4. What is the compound and stiffness of bicycle tires
  5. What is TPI (EPI) for bicycle tires
  6. Bicycle Tire Wear: Causes and Treatment
  7. How to protect a bicycle wheel from punctures
  8. Bicycle tire pressure
  9. How to increase the grip of bicycle wheels with the road in winter on snow
  10. Lump (hernia) on a bicycle wheel. Why does it appear and can it be “treated”.

Comments (131)

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How to choose a bike cover

Tables

The size of the tires

Types of tires


Change tires, if:

Contents

The size of the tires

Types of tires 9000

  • Witched a tire (it ).
  • The handling of the bike has become noticeably worse.
  • Sidewall or tread severely cut or torn.
  • Rubber starts to crack or peel off.
  • The tire is deformed due to damage to the carcass under the outer wall.
  • Small cuts visible, which may or may contain glass fragments - these can penetrate the inside of the tire and form flat spots.

Important! Some tires have wear indicators - one or two small dimples. When they disappear, tires need to be replaced

Bicycle tires and tubes

Final price

5 799 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 28C

Buy

-10%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

Final price

4 999 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 23C

Buy

Final price

4,999 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700C x 25

Buy

-20%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis CrossMark II, 27. 5 x 2.25, 57-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-20%

Final price Schwalbe | Schwalbe Marathon 26 x 2.0 Tire

Buy

Final price

3 599 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 26 x 2.0

Buy

-15%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Pace, 27.5 x 2.1, 53-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-10%

Final price Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 27.5 x 2.0

Buy

-10%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-20%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ikon, 27.5 x 2.2, 56-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-15%

Final price

3,059RUB

RUB 3,599

Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Overdrive Excel, 26 x 2. 0, 50-559, 60 TPI, Hybrid

Buy

Before choosing a tire, the first step is to determine its size (by wheel diameter and width). It depends on what rims your bike has.

Check the sidewall of the tire - there are numbers indicating its size (for example, as in the picture, the outer diameter is 27.5'' and the tire width is 2.2'')

But the types of markings are different:

The Universal Tire Measurement System Diameter (ISO 5775 or ETRTO ) indicates the inner diameter (in millimeters, mm) and the width of the tire (also in millimeters, mm).

Consists of two numbers, for example, 57–559

English and French manufacturers may indicate a different marking: outer diameter for tire width (in inches, ''). Sometimes tire height is added (decimal, inches, '').

Diameter and width: two numbers or a decimal, e.g. 28 x 1.4, 28 x 1 1/8. View Diameter, Height and Width: 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/8

where A is the largest).

For example, 700 x 35C

Important! You can also find out the tire size:

  • On the manufacturer's website - by bike model.
  • In the instructions for the bike.
  • At the Sportmaster PRO service centers in your city

A few tire recommendations:

  • Most road bikes will fit tires with a diameter of 700 mm (28'') for men and 650 for women (26'').
  • racing bikes are best fitted with tires 26 - 29'' in width 0. 7 -0.9'' (18-23mm).
  • On a bicycle for long-distance travel it is appropriate to take tires with a width of 0.9-1.1'' (25-28mm): It will be easier to drive on dirt or wet roads.
  • Wheels for mountain bikes are available in 1-1.2'' (26mm, 27.5mm and 29mm) diameters.
  • XC bikes are best fitted with 2-2.4'' (45-60mm) tires.
  • For the Freeride or Downhill , choose tires that are 2.5-3.0'' (65-75mm) wide for reliable grip on rocks.
  • motocross bikes (BMX) fit 20'' (51mm) tires.

Expert recommends

38,999 RUB

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Motion 29 29", 2021

Buy

27,999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Energy 2. 0 27.5", 2021

Buy

44,999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Motion 4.0 27.5", 2021

Buy

17,999 ₽

Denton | Women's mountain bike Denton Aura 1.0 26"

Buy

27,999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Energy 2.0 27.5", 2022

Buy

44,999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Force 2.0 29", 2021

Buy

24 999 ₽

Stern | Bicycle for boys Stern Action 24 Alt 24", 2022

Buy

32 999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Motion 1.0 27.5", 2021

Buy

27,999 ₽

Stern | Women's mountain bike Stern Angel 2.0 27.5", 2022

Buy

Final price

44 999 ₽

Trek | Teenage bike Trek Precaliber 20 Fw 20", 2022

Buy

24 999 ₽

Stern | Mountain bike Stern Energy 1. 0 Sport 26", 2021

Buy

17,999 ₽

Denton | Mountain bike Denton Storm 2.0 26"

Buy Now

Slick

Designed for asphalt and racing tracks.

The tread is either missing or has shallow drainage grooves

Slicks do not create wheel vibration, so the bike can reach high speeds on a flat, smooth surface. But when braking and on wet roads, care should be taken, and it is not recommended to go off-road, as this is fraught with loss of control and breakdown of the wheel.

Semi Slick

Provides reliable grip on sand, suitable for cross-country dirt roads, light off-road and asphalt. Fast and silent running.

In the center, the tire is covered with a tread with drainage grooves, the sides are equipped with small lugs to help when cornering

Usually this type of tire comes with a new bike.

Mud/gravel

Ideal for mountain bikes.

Aggressive tread provides reliable grip on gravel, sand and snow

Due to the relatively large weight and deep tread, tires create additional resistance, so driving on asphalt is not a good idea.

Crossover/Urban

The rubber of this type of tire is very durable due to reinforced carbon fiber beads.

There is a high tread tread in the middle of the tire, so these wheels are suitable for driving on asphalt and dry dirt.

Bicycle tires and tubes

Final price

5 799 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 28C

Buy

-10%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27. 5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

Final price

4 999 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 23C

Buy

Final price

4 999 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700C x 25

Buy

-20%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis CrossMark II, 27.5 x 2.25, 57-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-20%

Final price Schwalbe | Schwalbe Marathon 26 x 2.0 Tire

Buy

Final price

3 599 ₽

Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 26 x 2.0

Buy

-15%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Pace, 27.5 x 2.1, 53-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-10%

Final price Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 27. 5 x 2.0

Buy

-10%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-20%

Final price

3 199 ₽

3 999 ₽

Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ikon, 27.5 x 2.2, 56-584, 60 TPI, Mountain

Buy

-15%

Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Overdrive Excel, 26 x 2.0, 50-559, 60 TPI, Hybrid

Buy now

According to the way the tires are installed, they are:

Clincher

Standard tires with beads that fix them on the wheel rim. Installing and changing these tires is quite simple. Their weak point is the camera, which is easy to pierce while riding.

Tubeless (folding)

The function of the camera is performed by a safety cable made of Kevlar threads. Tires are mounted on special rims with high sides and additionally sealed with an anaerobic adhesive-sealant. The absence of a chamber somewhat reduces the weight of the bike, and a punctured tire can be repaired right on the wheel.

Tube

Impenetrable version with increased cord density (up to 320 TPI). Very light, so it is used on sports bikes. The cord does an excellent job with the tasks of the camera. Such a tube is attached to the wheel rim with glue.

The off-road summer tire has a tread depth of 6-8mm and several layers of built-up rubber, making it resistant to punctures.

Winter tires are made of soft compound, some are equipped with studs. The tread depth of winter tires is 9–11 mm, which ensures confident grip on a snowy track and allows you to brake even on icy sections of the road.

EXPERT TIP

Winter tires are recommended to be used at temperatures up to +5 degrees, otherwise soft spikes will quickly wear off on asphalt


In our online shop you will find tires for road, racing, mountain and other categories of bicycles. To replace them, contact the Sportmaster service centers.

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