Choosing Mountain Bike Wheel Size

It still is an available wheel size but now when you walk into a bike shop and inquire about mountain bikes you are likely to be asked 26 in 27 5 in.

Choosing mountain bike wheel size. Wheel size wheel size is another bike feature that s largely predetermined by the bike category you choose with one big exception. Then along came two wheel sizes that have for the most part overtaken 26 in. You can read about the different bike types here. While the original standard for mountain bikes was 26 several new standards have emerged over the past few years.

The first new wheel size that came to market was 29 wheels. Be sure about the bicycle type you want to choose. A cross country bike will have tires in the 1 9 to 2 25 width range. So your choice is largely a matter of performance nuances.

That s because all mountain bikes came with standard 26 in. Most mountain bikes come with either 29 wheels or 27 5 wheels. It all boils down to the type of mountain bike you use traditional mountain bikes no suspension have 26 tires hardtail front suspension 26 or 29 tires and full suspension both rear and front suspension 26 tires. First the 29 mountain bike wheel commonly called 29 ers and more recently the goldilocks middle standard wheel size of 27 5.

For years wheel size wasn t something most mountain bikers considered when shopping for a bike. 26 inch wheels offer unmatched maneuverability. Mountain bike wheels are most commonly referred to by their diameter in inches. In the not too distant past all adult mountain bikes were equipped with 26 in.

Choose a wheel size that complements the size of your bike. Shop full suspension mountain bikes. 29 mountain bike wheels often referred to as 29 ers are actually the same diameter at the rim as the 700c standard you may recognize from road bikes. Mountain bike tire size and width once you ve identified your tire diameter 29 27 5 or 26 you ll want to dial in your width.

Our years of research have told us that 29 wheels are the most efficient choice for most bikes and riders. More recently the 27 5 middle sized wheel was created and has become increasingly popular. From a cost standpoint the difference isn t significant. Right mountain bike sizing leg inseam cm x 0 66 your frame size.

Mountain bike city bike or road bike. 27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. 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. Now you can take your calculator and quickly find the right size.

You can have the right sized frame but if you have the wrong size wheels it can make things really uncomfortable.