Comments on: Bicycle Wheel Sizes Explained

By: John

John — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:26:45 +0000

This is what I think :

on a hybrid tyre:
28-622
700x28C
28×1 5/8 , 28x 1 1/4

the first figures relate to the rim, the width of the rim, and the diameter of the rim.

The last figure relates to the tyre in relation to the rim.
so, the tyre fits a rim that is made for a tyre that is referred to as 28″ in diameter , this is not usually its actual diameter.
and it fits a rim made for a tyre that has a nominal width of 1 5/8 or 1 1/8″.
if the figure is a decimal, then it is the actual width of the tyre when fitted.
the height or profile of the tyre can only be inferred in that the width is relative to the profile, however it will differ with different wheel sizes.

the 700 X 28C is essentially meaningless nowadays.

is this correct ?

By: Gisele Landry

Gisele Landry — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:41:40 +0000

In reply to Montague Bikes. Three wheel bikes have large tires. Do you measure from outside of tire, across rims and to outside of tire on other side?

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:43:02 +0000

i’m learning to be a bike mechanic and I’ve got everything down except for building a wheel. Should I say lacing a wheel because I can do internals. I’ve been writing BMX since I was 13 years old was sponsored by my local Shop then my local got me on Redline but racing wasn’t enough, I discovered dirt Hills and freestyle. BMX has always been in my DNA. One thing I’m confused about is wait. Leave the carbon rims out of it because we know those are gonna be light and mags are gonna be heavy but when it comes to 20 inch aluminum double wall wheels with a 9 tooth cassette, how much should it weigh? Is the OEM Wheel heavier than the aftermarket? How much difference is the weight in a 20 inch compared to a 22 inch and can you use the same hubs to lace a 22 inch hoop as a 20

By: Thor

Thor — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:26:32 +0000

In reply to Ernest Estrada. what about 28" tires? what are the rim size or tire size numbers on the tire? are 27.5 rims 28" tires? are 700 tires a 28" rim and 27", 27.5"rim?

By: Joshua

Joshua — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:17:07 +0000

Great breakdown of the different bicycle wheel sizes! 🚴‍♂️ It’s amazing to see how each wheel size impacts the ride experience – from the compact 16″ wheels used on folding bikes to the larger 29″ wheels that are dominating the mountain biking world. I had no idea that 27.5″ and 650b were essentially the same size but used in different contexts for road and mountain bikes. It’s also interesting to hear about the history of wheel sizes, like the now-obsolete 27″ wheels that were popular in the 70s and 80s.

For anyone just getting into cycling or looking to upgrade their ride, understanding how wheel size affects performance, handling, and comfort is key. And if you’re considering getting a new bike, BikesOnline AU – https://www.bikesonline.com has some great options to match your riding style. Thanks for the informative post!

By: DIane Baxter

DIane Baxter — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:05:20 +0000

I need a step through bike because of a knee replacement. I am in my late 60s. I want an electric bike. I am very tempted by a very low step through bike that has approximately 20 inch diameter wheels with about a 1.95 inch tire width. I am reconsidering because I’m afraid that if I go off of a shoulder that is one and one half inch high or higher, I will be more likely to wreck than with a normal diameter tire of say 28 inches. I have been shopping for electric bikes for a week and I am a hard fit. Some of the nice medium sized bikes with shocks in the seats are a tad too high for me and the small bikes are a tad to short in length for me. What can you tell me about the small diameter wheels? I made a poor purchase of a great bike that did not have a good center of gravity. It was pushing me over because of that and the 65 pound weight. Now, I’m shopping for ones that have the batteries in the center post. Right now, I’m worried about tire diameter. Thank You.

( I used to be a very well coordinated person. The surgery changes ones balance a bit. On a recent ride a slow moving man on a bike caused me to ride to the edge of the road and ride into the gravel slowly. I did that to avoid him. Then there are children on the Cades Cove Loop who do unexpected things. I still have fast reflexes but I’m older and I have to be very careful. I move more slowly on purpose. I don’t have the strength that I once had and electric bikes are a different animal)

By: Sembian Selvan R

Sembian Selvan R — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:38:23 +0000

As a student project, our team have decided to do a project on dutch trike with two 24-inch wheels on the front and a 26-inch wheel in the rear…. Is this a good idea??

By: daniel

daniel — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:44:35 +0000

what size tire would you need for a 23″ rim ?
it’s off a atb bike it’s a mtb bike with no shocks and it’s a early 90’s or late 80’s
bike

By: Len N

Len N — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 20:12:08 +0000

The 451mm wheel size is so rare that it’s on every BMx bike sized expert and smaller at the race track. Then the Pro sized bikes are also using it labeled as OS20

By: Montague Bikes

Montague Bikes — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:59:45 +0000

In reply to stan burech. The bike frame would have been designed for a specific wheel size and switching to smaller wheels can present problems. Smaller wheels would lower the bike to the ground making it easier to mount/dismount, BUT it would also lower the crank and pedals toward the ground significantly. You would likely experience pedal strike (the pedal hitting the ground at the bottom of the rotation) especially when cornering. In addition, if the bike uses rim brakes, those brakes would likely no longer reach the rim since the smaller diameter wheel would be farther away from the brake mounts. Your best bet is likely to get a new bike with a smaller frame or a step-through frame design.