Standard Bicycle Tyre Sizes
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Which Size Tyre Do I need for my Bicycle?
Bicycle tyres come in various different sizes. Some of them are unusual and rarely found, but most bicycles will take a standard sized tyre, which is readily available.
The information here will help you to determine which tyre is most likely to be fitted to which bicycle.
The information is primarily for bicycles sold in Britain although it may also be useful for other countries of the world.
Correct British spellings have been used throughout as an alternative to the more logical American spellings. (i.e. "tyre" not "tire")
The information here will help you to determine which tyre is most likely to be fitted to which bicycle.
The information is primarily for bicycles sold in Britain although it may also be useful for other countries of the world.
Correct British spellings have been used throughout as an alternative to the more logical American spellings. (i.e. "tyre" not "tire")
Mountain Bike (ATB) Tyres
Mountain bike tyres are pretty much standard throughout the world.
The usual size for an adult mountain bike is 26" x 1.75" but this can be varied between 26" x 1.5" to 26" x 2.5". The difference being in the width of the tyre. All of these tyres are interchangeable although a narrower rim will work better with a narrower tyre.
Mountain bike tyres generally have a knobbly off-road tread. These can be replaced with a smoother patterned tread which is more suitable for use on roads.
There are also 2 childrens mountain bike sizes. The smallest take 20" x 1.75" tyres and the bigger version will take 24" x 1.75" tyres.
The usual size for an adult mountain bike is 26" x 1.75" but this can be varied between 26" x 1.5" to 26" x 2.5". The difference being in the width of the tyre. All of these tyres are interchangeable although a narrower rim will work better with a narrower tyre.
Mountain bike tyres generally have a knobbly off-road tread. These can be replaced with a smoother patterned tread which is more suitable for use on roads.
There are also 2 childrens mountain bike sizes. The smallest take 20" x 1.75" tyres and the bigger version will take 24" x 1.75" tyres.
Some Mountain Bike Tyres on eBay
BMX tyres
BMX bicycles generally take a 20" x 1.75" tyre.
The smaller BMX bicycle for smaller children will take a 16" x 1.75" tyre.
The smaller BMX bicycle for smaller children will take a 16" x 1.75" tyre.
Sports and Racing Bicycles
The traditional pure racing bicycle will take a tubular tyre. If you have one of these bicycle you will already know what a tubular tyre is.
Modern sports bicycles take a 700c tyre which will come in varying widths from 18mm to 38mm. These are interchangeable, but when fitting a wider tyre it is important to make sure there is enough clearance between the tyre and the frame or mudguard.
Older sports bicycles (c1960s - mid 1980s) take a 27" x 1 1/4" tyre. Older still and you will find a 26" x 1 1/4" tyre.
Modern sports bicycles take a 700c tyre which will come in varying widths from 18mm to 38mm. These are interchangeable, but when fitting a wider tyre it is important to make sure there is enough clearance between the tyre and the frame or mudguard.
Older sports bicycles (c1960s - mid 1980s) take a 27" x 1 1/4" tyre. Older still and you will find a 26" x 1 1/4" tyre.
Roadsters and commuter bikes
The traditional roadster bicycle took a 28" x 1 1/2" inch tyre. These were superseded during the c1960s when the 26" x 1 3/8" tyre became standard.
Small wheeled and shopper bicycles come in varying sizes. The most common sizes are 20" x 1 3/8" and the wider 20" x 1.75". The latter can be fitted with a BMX tyre only if there is enough mudguard clearance for the more pronounced tread.
Moultons usually take a 16 x 1 3/8" tyre.
Small wheeled and shopper bicycles come in varying sizes. The most common sizes are 20" x 1 3/8" and the wider 20" x 1.75". The latter can be fitted with a BMX tyre only if there is enough mudguard clearance for the more pronounced tread.
Moultons usually take a 16 x 1 3/8" tyre.
Which size?
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