Everything you need to know about measuring and choosing the right bike frame size and wheel size

Determining the size of your bike's wheels is important for a variety of reasons, including purchasing replacement tires or tubes, or upgrading to a different size of wheel. There are a few different ways to measure bike wheel size, but the most common method is to use the diameter of the tire.

Method 1: Tire Diameter The easiest way to measure bike wheel size is by looking at the diameter of the tire. This measurement is typically expressed in inches or millimeters. For example, a common road bike tire size is 700c, which corresponds to a diameter of 700 millimeters.

Method 2: Rim Size Another way to measure bike wheel size is by looking at the diameter of the rim. This measurement is also typically expressed in inches or millimeters. However, it's important to note that not all tires will fit all rims, so it's important to match the tire size to the appropriate rim size.

Method 3: ETRTO The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) have developed a standard for measuring the size of bike wheels. It's expressed in two numbers, for example: 622x19. The first number (622) is the internal rim diameter and the second number (19) is the width of the tire.

Once you've determined the size of your bike's wheels, the next step is to decide which type of wheel is best for you. Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Type of riding: Different types of riding require different types of wheels. For example, a road bike will typically have narrow, high-pressure tires and lightweight wheels, while a mountain bike will have wider, knobbly tires and stronger wheels.

  2. Rim material: Bike rims are typically made from one of three materials: aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel. Each material has its own unique properties and characteristics. For example, aluminum rims are lightweight and durable, while carbon fiber rims are lightweight and stiff.

  3. Spokes: The number of spokes on a wheel can also affect its performance. For example, a wheel with fewer spokes will be lighter, but may not be as strong as a wheel with more spokes.

  4. Brand: Last but not least, the brand of the wheel also matters. You should choose a brand that has a good reputation for quality and durability.

It's also important to note that not all wheels fit all bikes. It's important to match the wheel size to the appropriate frame and fork, as well as making sure that the axle size and spacing are compatible. For example, a road bike will typically have a different axle size and spacing than a mountain bike. It's also important to check the brake compatibility, as some bike use disc brakes while others use rim brakes.

In summary, determining the size of your bike's wheels is important for a variety of reasons. The most common method to measure bike wheel size is by using the diameter of the tire, which is typically expressed in inches or millimeters. The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) have developed a standard for measuring the size of bike wheels. Once you've determined the size of your bike's wheels, it's important to decide which type of wheel is best for you, taking into consideration the type of riding, the rim material, the number of spokes, and the brand. It's also important to note that not all wheels fit all bikes, it's important to match the wheel size to the appropriate frame and fork, as well as making sure that the axle size and spacing are compatible and the brake compatibility is met.

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