Mountain Bike Tyre Sizes Explained

A 650b diameter tyre fitted to 650b iso584mm diameter rims give the rider a wheel where the approximate outside diameter of the 650b tyre is the same as that of a 29in iso622mm wheel and standard 2 25in iso57mm tyre.

Mountain bike tyre sizes explained. Below we prepared a tabel with rim sizes of 4 different bicycle types and their equivalents in inch etrto and french standards. If you are looking for information about tyre choice for different disciplines surfaces and performance goals look at our road bike tyre guide or mountain bike tyre guide best tyre for your bike including rubber compound tread pattern tyre pressure puncture protection and weight. Sizes written as decimals such as 2 75 are different than sizes expressed as fractions such as 2 3 4. Read the size carefully.

Another reason not to exceed the 2 2 limit on road is that a more bulbous tyre can deflect sideways with a noticeable effect on control and roadholding. There are multiple tires to consider and it s important to understand tire size. A good mountain bike tyre will provide low rolling resistance ample grip and provide a degree of cushioning that will enhance the quality of your ride. Mountain bikes meant to be ridden downhill tend to have wider tyres often approaching 2 1 2 inches.

Mountain bike tyres are straightforward when it comes to sizing. However it was brought up with the arrival of the 27 5 inch mountain bike which used b width rims. Tires are essential to mountain biking the type of terrain you ride and they can have a big impact on your riding experience. 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.

Tips regarding bicycle tire and rim sizes. Generally they come in a 26 inch diameter ranging from 1 3 4 to 2 35 inches in width. 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.

These sizes can be thought of as a sort of shorthand for decimal sizes each with a corresponding iso measurement. Our tyre size guide will clear up any confusion you have when selecting the right replacement tyre for your bike. Mountain bike tyres are designed to take this extra stress but road tyres are not. 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.

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. Plus size tyres fill the gap between traditional size mtb tyres and the wider fat bike sizes. On the other hand it increases the stress on the sidewall of the tyre.