Biking has been a source of joy for me ever since I bought my first bike as a teenager. The first upgrade I made to my bike was the start of my journey in the vast world of biking and I never looked back again. Biking is not just a hobby for me it has become a passion that fuels my soul.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a smooth ride doesn’t just lie in the rhythm of pedalling but also in the size of the wheels that carry me forward.
On my last adventure, when I was in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire, I realised how important it is to know the wheel size of your bike. Now you must be thinking why you should measure your bike’s wheel size in inches.
By the end of this blog, you’ll not only master the art of measuring but also see your bike in a whole new light. Let’s start with learning “how to measure bike rim size?”
How to Measure Bike Rim Size?
Measuring a bike rim size is a task that requires keen attention so that you can get the right dimension. Here are a few steps for you to follow to get the right rim size:
The first step involved in measuring the rim size is removing the tire. Once you take off the tire it will help you to see the rim clearly. Learn more about how to remove a wheel from the bike.
The next step is to find out the diameter of the rim. For that, you need a measuring tape. Use the tape to measure across the rim’s middle. You will find the distance from one side to the other where the tire fits.
In the third step, you have to measure the width of the rim. For taking the width you should measure the distance between the inner edges of the rim.
Now you simply have to find out the new tire’s numbers that fit the rim’s size.
Once you have learned to measure the rim size of the bicycle, now it’s time to figure out the right wheel size for your bike.
How to Measure Bike Wheel Size in Inches?
Measuring the bike wheel size is an easy task if you know the process and do all the steps in the right way. The first thing that you should know before measuring the wheel is that its measurements have two components. One is the diameter (inches) and the other is the width (inches).
Following are the steps to measure the bike wheel size in inches:
- Stand your bike against a wall, upright.
- For diameter you need to measure from the wheel’s centre to the outer edge.
- For ISO, you have to measure from the wheel centre to the inner edge and then double it.
- Measure the width of the tire’s tread.
- The last step is to combine the measurements. Traditionally, diameter size comes first and then width of the wheel, ISO size is width first, diameter second.
Normally the wheel size is written on the wheel but because of wear and tear over time it became unreadable. So you need to measure it by yourself.
Now it’s time to figure out the right wheel size for your bike.
Bike Wheel Size Guide and Common Uses
Bicycles come in many wheel sizes, from 16″ to 36″, including specialty bikes like folding bikes and recumbents. Let’s look into the specifications of all the wheel sizes to know which one is suitable for your bike.
| Wheel Size | ISO Diameter (mm) | Common Use | Characteristics |
| 16″ Wheels | 305 mm | Children’s bikes, Some adult folding bikes | Not suitable for adults and Unsatisfactory handling at rough terrain |
| 20″ Wheels | 406 mm | BMX bikes, small folding bikes | Good for tricks and sensitive steering |
| 24″ Wheels | 507 mm | Junior mountain bikes, BMX cruisers | Popular among youth for racing |
| 26” Wheels | 559 mm | Older mountain bikes, some folding bikes | Offers a good balance for performance and stability. |
| 27.5″ / 650b Wheels | 584 mm | Small/extra-small road frames, modern MTBs | offers better obstacle clearance and traction compared to 26″ wheels |
| 29″ / 700c Wheels | 622 mm | Standard for modern road bikes and increasingly used in mountain bikes | Superior performance and ride quality and same diameter as 700c |
| 27″ Wheels | 630 mm | Vintage American road bikes | Slightly larger than modern 700c wheels |
| 32″ and 36″ Wheels | 686 mm and 787 mm | Custom bikes for very tall riders | Rare, used for custom builds |
Now that you know about different wheel sizes and their uses, let’s learn how to pick the right inner tube for your bike’s wheel.
How to Measure Bike Wheel Size for Inner Tube?
Here is a simple guide for you to measure the inner tube of your bike. Follow the procedure thoroughly for accurate measurements of the tube.
The first step to measure the inner tube is to lay it on a flat surface. Then shape it into a circle and measure straight across to find the diameter.
The next step is to measure the width of the inner tube by Inflating it slightly, then measuring across the tube to find the width.
Make sure that the tube you choose should have a bit of size flexibility to fit well within the tire.
The final step is to find an inner tube with a size range that fits your tire.
I know you must be thinking, does bike wheel size include tyres? It was my thoughts as well when I took the measurements for the first time. Let me answer it for you.
Does Bike Wheel Size Include Tyre?
Yes, the wheel size includes the tyre as well. Following points explain the significance of inclusion of tyre in wheel size.
- The wheel size will be accurate only when you include the measurements of tyre in the wheel’s overall diameter.
- The thickness of the tyre will affect the ground clearance of your bike and your height during the ride.
- Tyers play a significant role in handling the bike and comfort. Moreover, it provides a cushioning effect.
- Knowing the full wheel size ensures compatibility with bike frames and brakes.
- The size of the tyre has a great impact on speed, traction, and performance on different terrains.
Key Takeaways
It is essential to understand your bike’s wheel size for a smooth ride. I have explained all the important steps that you must know to get the right measurements. You just have to follow them and make sure your adventures are uninterrupted, fun, and free of hustle. Hope this blog has helped you out, Happy Biking!