Difference In Mountain Bike Wheel Size

26 inches 27 5 inches and 29 inches.

Difference in mountain bike wheel size. For years wheel size wasn t something most mountain bikers considered when shopping for a bike. If all three have a 15 frame there will be a height difference between them due to their wheel size. However on a mountain bike the answer is yes. Mountains bikes now come in three different wheel sizes.

To be exact their iso measurements are 559 584 and 622. The second number is the tire width. These size labels come from an old french sizing standard which we ll cover in more detail in the french sizing section. As long as your new tire s size matches one of these sets of numbers the new tire should fit your bike.

The same situation is true for mountain bikes only it s a bit more complicated as we have three common wheel diameters. Tires come in three diameters. Boost sizing with 148mm 110mm axles is slowly gaining ground though it requires compatible frames and forks. That s because all mountain bikes came with standard 26 in.

You can find them with 26 wheels 27 5 wheels or 29 wheels. The larger 29 inch wheel size initially looks appealing to a taller rider and here at dirt many of us are around six feet in height so there s no question that a bigger bike will look in proportion with this size wheel and be a good fit for us. This varies from 1 6 to 2 5 inches. In terms of mountain bike wheels 650b is a standard 27 5 wheel and 700c is a standard 29 wheel.

In old money they re 26in 27 5in and 29in. 26 inch wheels offer unmatched maneuverability. 29 x 2 3 indicates a tire with a 29 outer diameter and a 2 3 width. Good wheels convert between the sizes with simple spacers.

27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. Tires are also measured in width. 150mm plus rears remain the preserve of downhill bikes at this width heel clearance becomes an issue. Bigger rims must be stronger too but that adds weight.

A tire size you might see on a mountain bike. Long considered the standard wheel size in the mountain bike industry 26 inches is likely the size of the wheels you have on your mountain bike now unless you actively sought out something different. Some special tires can even be wider up to 3 inches with some models.