How To Size A Mountain Bike Wheel

The extra stability this wheel size gives along with the increased wheelbase is often translated into lack of agility.

How to size a mountain bike wheel. 27 5 inch wheels largely address the issues riders were having with 29 er wheels while still offering most of the benefits of the larger size. These size labels come from an old french sizing standard which we ll cover in more detail in the french sizing section. While the original standard for mountain bikes was 26 several new standards have emerged over the past few years. For standard hardtails our mountain bike size chart should be a god send.

So which wheel size is right for you. Bear in mind that road cyclocross and hybrid bike sizes tend to be 3 to 4in bigger for riders of the same height something that confuses a lot of riders when looking through bike listings. 27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. 29 x 2 0 27 5 x 2 4 29 x 2 8.

First the 29 mountain bike wheel commonly called 29 ers and more recently the goldilocks middle standard wheel size of 27 5. These widely used measurements refer to the tire s diameter and are typically paired with a tyre width in inches when written out i e. 29 x 2 0 27 5 x 2 4 29 x 2 8. Tyre options were initially a problem with 29er s history being in the xc world we were seeing fragile fast rolling tyres that weren t man enough for the job in hand if fitted to a capable trail bike.

Most mountain bikes today are offered in one of two wheel sizes. The new wheel size is also much older standard originally known as 650b and according to sheldon brown has also been used on french utility bikes and tandems. In terms of mountain bike wheels 650b is a standard 27 5 wheel and 700c is a standard 29 wheel. Mountain bike sizing guide.

Mountain bike size chart. 27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. Sometimes referred to as 650b the 27 5 inch wheel fits right in between the 26 and 29 inch offerings. Mountain bike wheels are most commonly referred to by their diameter in inches.

Mountain bike sizing can be affected by suspension and your tire choices. Mtb s are engineered for off road riding. Consider the following pros and cons of each and decide which size to test drive first. So make sure you look at a tire size chart and try a full suspension mountain bike for size before buying.

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.