Mountain Bike Tire Sizes

Nowadays bike tires are typically marked according to iso standard a system originally developed by etrto european tire and rim technical organization but older english and french tire size dimensions are still used as well use the data from the following tables to determine interchangeability and convert between iso etrto english.

Mountain bike tire sizes. There are multiple tires to consider and it s important to understand tire size. A cross country bike will have tires in the 1 9 to 2 25 width range. Once you ve identified your tire diameter 29 27 5 or 26 you ll want to dial in your width. Sizes written as decimals such as 2 75 are different than sizes expressed as fractions such as 2 3 4.

A tire size you might see on a mountain bike. Most mountain bikes today are offered in one of two wheel sizes. A hybrid of road and mountain tires cyclocross tires are labeled as 700c and have widths indicated in millimeters like road bikes yet are knobbie like mountain bike tires. A tire size you might see on a road bike.

It s actually the same bead seat diameter as 700c tires but most 29 tires are simply too wide and tall to fit 700c wheels. 27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. Trail and all mountain bikes will have tires in the 2 25 to 2 4 width range. Modern mountain bike tires using this size may be labeled 650b or 27 5.

These sizes can be thought of as a sort of shorthand for decimal sizes each with a corresponding iso measurement. And right behind those big 29ers are wheels of yet another size. Whether you are mountain biking on dry trails in utah or through the waterfalls of iceland having the right tires is crucial for the best riding experience. Tires are essential to mountain biking the type of terrain you ride and they can have a big impact on your riding experience.

The 29er another popular size for mountain bike wheels and tires. Sometimes referred to as 650b the 27 5 inch wheel fits right in between the 26 and 29 inch offerings. These widely used measurements refer to the tire s diameter and are typically paired with a tire width in inches when written out i e. Read the size carefully.

Conversion tables for common bicycle tire sizes. While 26 inch wheels are still considered the standard for mountain bikes 29 inch wheels are fast on their heels. 29 x 2 3 indicates a tire with a 29 outer diameter and a 2 3 width. 700x25c indicates a tire with a 700mm outer diameter and a 25mm width.

29 x 2 0. The sizes you commonly see for mountain bike wheels like 26in 27 5in and 29in all refer to the outside diameter of the wheel with the tire fully inflated.