If you are trying to size up your bike, you may be wondering what the correlation is between the bike and tire size…
Is bike size the same as tire size?
No, bike size and tire size are different. With most adult bikes, measurements will be done in centimeters, and these larger bikes will typically support a range of tires and wheels, so you will want to check with the manufacturer as you will have a range of choices, rather than a single-sized tire.
However, With some kid’s bikes, the bike size can be the same as the tires. And, can be measured in inches. For adult bikes, the measurement in inches is more likely to be with mountain bikes and, in some cases, like children’s bikes, the bike size could match the tires.
How do you determine bike size?
Bike size is determined by a measurement of the frame. Adult bikes are the normal industry standard reflecting the measured distance in centimeters between the crank axle and the top of the seat. For kid’s bikes and adult mountain bikes, however, the measurements are going to be in inches.
What is the standard bike wheel size?
The most common wheel size when it comes to standard bikes is going to be 700 centimeters or 29 inches.
These are the optimal choice for road bikes and they have a smoother tread and a thin width for speed, although if you will be traversing gravel or other off-road styles of terrain, then you might look for a wider width with a more robust tread than this to ensure proper safety and control.
What does bike tire size mean?
With bike tire size, you are going to notice that there are 2 numbers and 1 of those will be appreciably larger. The larger number that you see is simply the width of the tire as measured in inches.
This will typically be in a range of 12 to 26 inches (except for mountain bikes, which typically range from 26 to 27.5). The smaller number, by contrast, is going to be the width of your tire, and this will be measured in inches as well. The most common range for width is 1.75 – 2.215.
What size tires are on a 26-inch bike?
While the bike size lists as 26 inches, this is a little misleading. The proper tire size for a size 2 bike is 25 and 5/8 inches. This bike size is a standard adult size for 5 feet and above, as well as the starting size for mountain bikes.
If you are a little over 5.5, however, then you might consider a 27.5 or even a 29-inch bike model, as this may be a more comfortable fit for your height.
Will a 27-inch tire fit a 26-inch rim?
Yes, you can fit up to a 2.5-inch wheel and tire set on a 26-inch frame, but you will need to take a close look at the design of your bike. The first thing that you need to check is that it is using disc breaks. Provided that this is the case, then you need to make sure that there is enough clearance.
The caveat to this kind of conversion is that it is going to limit the width of the tires that you can use, resulting in a fit that technically works with that frame, but which also results in an awkward ride due to the impacted geometry of the bike.
As such, you can certainly give it a try, but we recommend that you don’t throw away your old wheels until you have had some time to test this modification.
Suppose the ride feels a bit stiff or otherwise less comfortable. In that case, it might be best to revert to the previous configuration as it could impact control negatively in other riding conditions.
Can you put any width tires on the same rim bike?
Provided that you are paying attention to ensure that the diameter size is correct and that your frame also has enough clearance to support the width that you choose, then yes, you can put any width that you like.
Larger tire widths will be more robust and a better fit for harsher terrain, so this modification is ideal for added road safety that comes with the option of off-roading.
Can you put 28-inch wheels on a 26-inch bike?
No, you cannot put 28-inch wheels on a 26-inch bike. If you attempt this, then you will find that the 28-inch wheel is simply going to be too large to fit in that 26-inch frame.
If you tried the modification in reverse, adding 26-inch wheels to a 28-inch frame, then the problem would be the brake assembly, which would not be long enough to reach down and properly stop the 26-inch wheels.
Which is faster 27.5 or 26?
While it takes a little longer to get the 27.5 moving, it is going to be much faster than the 26. The reason for this is that rotational inertia comes into play and the larger wheels simply hold more speed because once you have them going it is easy to keep them this way.
Thus, a 26 would get a faster start but unless the distance you were racing them was very small, the 27.5 would allow you to quickly outpace the smaller 26 wheels.
What does bike size 28 mean?
Bike size 28, sometimes called a ‘29er’, refers most often to a mountain bike (although you can find 28’s in road bike form) and they are noted for their large-sized wheels that are appreciably more durable and stable on unsure terrain.
These bikes are adult bikes and a great fit for riders who are 6 feet in height or taller, and they have a pedal propulsion system that is suitable for these larger riders, while technically being considered mid-sized bikes.
The frames are also designed for superior durability, employing high-grade steel, although they are also available in aluminum and many riders will choose this customization to get the same strength with the lighter metal.