Bike Tire Size Chart And Sizing Guide

December 25, 2021January 16, 2025 by Egle Goleckyte

Do you often find the need to keep changing your bike tires now and then maybe from the wrong choice of the wheel size or the rim size? Let’s offer some help! The wrong bike tire size can be a menace especially when it comes to speed and efficiency! Getting the perfect size bike tire is not as easy as it seems, but worry not, we got you!

A bike tire size chart is a useful resource because you really want to buy the correct bicycle tire sizes. In this article, we will cover the various size specifications on bicycle wheels and how to measure them.

Bike Tire Size Chart

When shopping for a bike, whether it’s mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, racing bikes, or even kids mountain bikes, the first thing to consider is the tire sizing and wheel diameter. You will also require to know the width size and brake type you need for the specific bike fit. All these will be made easy by the use of a bike tire size chart and sizing guide.

Below is a sizing guide to get you started. Please note that this bike tire size chart is derived from compatibility trials based on popular tires in the market.

Rim Width in mm (Internal)→ Tire Size↓	17-19	19-21	21-23	23-25
23-25C	✓
25-28C	✓	✓	✓
28-30C	✓	✓	✓	✓
30-33C	✓	✓	✓	✓
33-35C	✓	✓	✓	✓
35-38C	✓	✓	✓	✓

Check out the following Bike Tire Size Charts and suitability across a wide range of bike options

Road Bikes Tire Size Chart

ISO(mm)	Suitability		Size (Inches)
622	Modern Road Bikes	700c	29
571	High-Performance Time Trial	650c	26×1, 26×1 3/4
584	Vintage Randonneur	650b	26×1 1/2, 27.5

Children’s Bikes Tire Size chart

ISO(mm)	Suitability		Size (Inches)
507	Mountain Bikes for children		24×1.5 to 24×2.5
547	British and Schwinn Bikes for children		24×1 1/8, 24×1 3/8 (S-5)
451	Lightweight Bikes for children		20×1 1/8, 20×1 1/4, 20×1 3/8
520	Classic Mountain Bikes for children		26×1.0 – 26×2.5
540	British Bikes for children	600a	26×1 1/2, 27.5

Modern City Bike Tire Size Chart

ISO(mm)	Name		Size (Inches)
571	Older Schwinn Bikes	650c	26×1, 26×1 3/4
559	City Bikes		26×1.0 – 26×2.5
507	Cruisers		24×1.5 to 24×2.5
622	Hybrid Bikes	700c	29

Mountain Bikes Tire Size Chart


ISO(mm)	Name		Size (Inches)
559	Mountain Bikes (Classic)		26×1.0 – 26×2.5
622	Mountain Bikes (29 inch )	700c	29
584	Modern MTBs	650b	26×1 1/2, 27.5

Other Bike tires size charts


ISO(mm)	Name	Size (Inches)
406	Certain Recumbent Bikes	20×1.5 to 20×2.25
406	BMX Bikes	20×1.5 to 20×2.25
451	Certain BMX Bikes	20×1 1/8, 20×1 1/4, 20×1 3/8
355	Folding bikes (Birdy)	26×1, 26×1 3/4
349	Folding bikes (Moulton)	16×1 3/8

Tire Size Chart for tires that are non-bike specific

ISO(mm)	Suitability		Size (Inches)
203	Scooters	650c	12 1/2 x anything
540	Wheelchairs	600a	24×1 1/8, 24×1 3/8 (E5)
305	Trailers	650b	16×1.75 to 16×2.125

If you are out to get something that is more on the adventurous side then here is an elaborate size chart based on ISO guidelines.

ISO (mm)	Size (Inches)	Suitability
599	26×1.25, 26×1.375	Very old American lightweight bikes
584	26×1 1/2, 650B, 27.5	French utility and touring bikes, certain new 27.5″ mountain bikes/certain Raleigh and Schwinn mountain bikes, .
571	26×1, 26×1 3/4, 650C	cruiser bikes (old Schwinn ).
551	26×1.0 to 26×2.5	Most modern cruiser and mountain bikes.
547	24×1 1/8, 24×1 3/8 (S-5)	Children’s bikes (British and Schwinn).
540	24×1 1/8, 24×1 3/8 (E5), 600A	Common on wheelchairs and children’s bikes (British)
597	26×1 1/4, 26×1 3/8 (S-6)	Older British bikes.
590	26×1 3/8 (EA3), 650A	children’s 10sp bikes/3-sp department store bikes/Italian high performance bikes for smaller riders.
587	700D	Unusual, once on certain GT bikes.
520	24×1, 24×1 1/8	Certain Terry bicycles (wheel).
507	24×1.5 to 24×2.5	Children’s cruisers and mountain bikes.
490	550A	Children’s road bikes (European).
457	22×1.75 to 22×2.125	Children’s bikes.
451	20×1 1/8, 20×1 1/4, 20×1 3/8	Certain BMX bikes/Certain recumbent bikes/Children’s lightweight bikes.
440	500A	Folding bikes and children’s bikes (European) .
419	20×1 3/4	Children’s bikes (Schwinn).
406	20×1.5 to 20×2.25	Common on BMX bikes.
390	450A	Children’s bikes (European ).
152	10×2	Wheelchair tire.
203	12 1/2 x anything	Children’s bikes (Scooters).
635	28×1 1/2, 700B	Common in Asia/Netherlands for utility bikes
630	27 x anything	Older road bikes
622	700C, 29″	29″ mountain bikes/Modern road bikes

Tire Size Calculator

You might also want to try a tire size calculator which can equally make your work so easy. The beauty of a tire size calculator is the fact that it is already programmed to give sizes across so many variations of bikes.

Benefits of using a bike tire size chart

Here are the key benefits of using a bike tire size chart;

You will be able to match the specific bike size with the right tire size without making mistakes
You will be able to make measurements on your own and determine which type of wheels you should be looking at
You can settle on long-lasting tires now that you know the correct wheel size
You can be assured of a perfect rim for your bike tire size.

Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Bike Tire

Your bike frame size and the type of bicycle have a great influence on the type of tire you will require.

Here are some of the factors to consider:

Tire durability

If you commute daily or ride many miles on rough roads then tire durability is important because you will want a more durable pair of wheels and those that will be puncture resistant. Of course, they will cost an extra buck but it will be worth it.

Many bike manufacturers will advise on tires with features like kevlar reinforcement for that extra puncture resistance.

Tread type

The type of tread to go for depends on your riding surface. For instance, on pavements, totally smooth tires are the best while muddy or wet places will require knobby and wider tires for that extra grip when cornering the gravel areas, these are mostly recommended for fat bikes and gravel bikes.

Tire thickness

Professional cyclists and generally people with a long or extensive riding experience have a formula for biking related to the width size which states that ‘thin wheels equals fast speed and vice versa”. If you are going for speed then you know that thin wheels are your bet.

A wide tire is designed for comfort and maintains more contact on the road as opposed to a thin tire. It is also advisable to consider your rim size before deciding your tire width sizing.

Width size

The width size is the second number that appears on your tire’s measurement.

For example, the touring bikes are labeled size “26×2.12”, which means that the width size is 2.12 inches. Road bike tire measurement also shows the width size in mm for example 700×23.

Dimensions

Adult bike tires have the dimensions of the wheel written outside the tire as opposed to the width which is inscribed inside the tire. They are commonly inscribed in metric units. It is good to look out for the original international tire size which the bike came with and note it down in case you require a replacement or an extra pair.

Common Types of Bike Tires

There are four major types of pedal bikes tires available in the market today. Each one of them has a special feature and design and is customized for a specific purpose. For you to get the best out of your bike, it is important to know the types of bicycle tires and their main uses so that you identify the right one for your two-wheeler.

Your rider experience and preference will largely determine the type of bike tire that you ought to go for. Always go for comparison charts if undecided.

Here are the different types of bike tires available:

Balloon tires (For cruiser bikes)

These tires are known to be the most comfortable in the market. They are ideal for riding at the beach or on sandy places. They usually have a low air pressure hence they are fitted for comfort more than speed.

They are somehow spongy hence absorb the bumps from a bumpy ride and they do not transfer it to the rider’s back. They have an extra width to allow for stability and comfort. Instead of sinking in the sand, these tires remain on top of the surface.

Racing bike tires(Road tires)

The road bike tires, also known as racing bike tires, are made to run on smooth surfaces and pavements. They are designed for speed efficiency. They have no treads on them and are generally very smooth to reduce friction on the road and allow the bicycle to move very fast.

They have a high air pressure compared to the balloon tires hence are very hard when pressed. The rear tire for a road bike is usually more pressured compared to the front tire to make braking easier and faster the racing bike tires are also very thin than all other tyre types which makes them very light hence increasing speed. The disadvantage with this type of tire is that they wear out quite faster than the larger wheels and are susceptible to pinch flats. The rear tire for a road bike is usually more pressured compared to the front tire to make braking easier and faster.

Do you crave a thrilling speed experience? Then pop in your next bike shop and get yourself one of the high-performance road bikes.

Commuter bike tires

These tires are meant for commuter riding as their name suggests. They are mostly used in urban areas hence have an adaptation of durability and strength for riding long distances under tough conditions.

They have special features which enable them to resist flat tires from punctures. Can you imagine a flat tire just in the middle of a highway when you are rushing to work? They are usually fitted with extra tread than the racing bikes due to the nature of their purpose.

The commuter bike tires are also fitted with a reflective sidewall which increases the rider’s visibility to motorists, pedestrians, and other riders to avoid accidents, especially during foggy weather.

Mountain bike tires

These are tires standard for mountain bikes. They have a larger wheel size than other common-size bike tires. They apply as well to kids’ mountain bikes.

Mountain bikes are perfect for irregular and rough terrains as they give a good grip on rocky and sandy areas. They are not usually stacked with a high pressure compared to road bikes there is no need or speed on rough terrains, right? You can also consider tubeless tires as they hold air and lower the air pressure.

A 16-inch bike up to a 20-inch bike is the safest bet for kids as they have a good support base. Gary Fisher bike is one of the iconic mountain bikes that exist although the production was halted.

Conclusion

Bike riding is such a great experience for those who love to ride. Indeed cycling is not only fun but also carries many health benefits and is considered one of the simplest ways to stay physically fit. For you to get the most out of your ride, the bike tire must perform optimally and this is why it’s always important to use a bike tire size chart.

Always remember:

Get a fitting bike for your body size and age range for kids to avoid too much strain from a poor body position while riding.
Always check the inseam measurements while shopping for a bike tire. According to the International Organisation for standardization, the seat post height should be 109% of your inseam.
Consider the tire diameter and stack height aspect ratio before you settle for any bike wheel.
Always adjust your seat height before you start riding especially if you have been sharing a bike to ensure a comfortable knee position. For a slow comfort ride, adjust to the minimum seat post height.
When shopping for a bike, check for the most convenient seat tube and frame sizes.
The difference between the inseam and the bike’s standover height should match.
When considering brake type for small kids, buy bikes with coaster brakes to enable them to top easily and anywhere, and training wheels too.

We wish you an amazing pedaler experience as you embark on the riding journey. Lots of luck!

Picture in this bike tires sizing post by Isaac Mehegan on Unsplash