Tyre size bicycle
Bicycle tire diameters: how to choose the right size
br data-mce-fragment="1">If you are a cycling enthusiast, you know well that the choice of the size of the tires of your bike is not a matter to be taken lightly.
In fact, tyre diameter affects different aspects of your driving experience, such as speed, handling, comfort and stability.
But how do you figure out which tyre size is more suitable for you and your cycling style?
In this article, we will explain the main criteria to consider and give you some practical tips for choosing the right size.
The main tyre measurement standards
Before going into detail, it should be clarified that there are different tyre measurement standards, which can create confusion among cyclists. The most popular are:
- The French standard, which is based on the tyre’s outer diameter and tyre width, expressed in millimetres, and the rim’s inner diameter, expressed by a letter (A, B, C or D). For example, a 700 x 25C wheel has an external diameter of 700 mm, a width of 25 mm and an internal diameter of 622 mm (corresponding to the letter C). This standard is mainly used for road and gravel bikes.
- The English standard, which is based on the tyre’s outer diameter and width, expressed in inches. For example, a 27.5 x 2.35 wheel has an external diameter of 27.5 inches and a width of 2.35 inches. This standard is mainly used for mountain and cyclocross bikes.
- The international standard ETRTO, which is based on the inner diameter of the rim, expressed in millimeters, and the width of the tyre, expressed in millimeters. For example, a 622 x 25 wheel has an internal diameter of 622 mm and a width of 25 mm. This standard is the most precise and universal, as it does not depend on the shape and profile of the tire.
The factors to consider when choosing tyre measurement
br data-mce-fragment="1">Now that we have figured out how to measure tyres, let’s see what are the factors to consider in choosing the most suitable measure for us.
In general, we can say that:
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- Tires larger diameter have greater inertia and thus greater ability to maintain speed once launched. In addition, they have greater ease of overcoming obstacles and irregularities of the ground, thanks to the lower angle of incidence. However, they are also heavier and require more energy to accelerate and brake. Larger diameter tyres are recommended for road, gravel and touring bikes, where speed and smoothness are important.
- Tires smaller diameter have lower inertia and therefore greater reactivity and agility. In addition, they are lighter and require less energy to accelerate and brake. However, they have a lower ability to overcome obstacles and terrain irregularities, due to the greater angle of incidence. Smaller tires are recommended for mountain bike, cyclocross and BMX bikes, where handling and robustness are important.
In addition to the diameter, the width of the tires also affects the performance and comfort of the bike. In general, we can say that:
- Tyres that are wider than have a greater ground contact surface and therefore a greater grip and stability than. In addition, they have a greater ability to absorb vibration and shock, thanks to the increased volume of air. However, they are also heavier and require more energy to move, due to increased friction. The wider tires are recommended for mountain bike, gravel and touring bikes, where traction and comfort are important.
- The more narrow tyres have a smaller ground contact surface and therefore less grip and stability. In addition, they have a lower ability to absorb vibration and shock, due to the lower volume of air. However, they are also lighter and require less energy to move, due to less friction. Narrow tyres are recommended for road, track and triathlon bikes, where speed and aerodynamics are important.
Some practical tips for choosing the tyre size
As we have seen, choosing the tyre size
- If you are a beginner or an occasional cyclist, we recommend that you choose a wheel size that is compatible with your height and your build. In general, 26 inch wheels are suitable for people of low or medium stature, 27.5 inch wheels are suitable for people of medium or high stature, 29 inch wheels are suitable for people of high stature. You can use a conversion table like this¹ to find the right size for your height.
- If you are an experienced cyclist or a cycling enthusiast, we recommend that you choose a wheel size that suits your riding style and performance needs. In general, 700c or 28 inch wheels are suitable for road, gravel and touring bikes, 27.5 inch wheels are suitable for mountain bike, cyclocross and enduro bikes, 29 inch wheels are suitable for mountain bike, cross country and marathon bikes. You can consult a guide like this to learn more about the features and benefits of each measurement.
- If you are a curious cyclist or an experimenter, we recommend that you try different wheel sizes and compare the sensations that you transmit. This way, you can find out which size makes you feel more comfortable and more satisfied. You can also opt for a bike with interchangeable wheels, which allows you to adapt your bike to different types of terrain and situations. You can find some examples of bikes with interchangeable wheels here.
We hope this article has been useful for you to better understand how to choose the tire size of your bike. Remember that wheel size is just one of many elements that affect the quality and pleasure of your cycling experience, so don’t neglect other aspects, such as bike geometry, saddle adjustment, the choice of tyres and the maintenance of the bike.
Enjoy your ride!
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