Buying a bike is very much exciting, and that feeling gives more Goosebumps when we start riding on the new bike. But how it’d feel when you began to get uncomfortable and losing control over the bike? Well, there can be reasons like absence of a good quality handlebar or well gripped tires behind it. However, one of the common reasons behind this problem is not paying attention to the correct size according to the biker’s height. Bike companies make different models with different sizes so that people can find their perfect size. And it’s really important to measure the size, especially the wheel’s size for comfortable and safe riding, although many people tend to ignore it suffer while riding. That’s why today we’re here to provide you with some tips and tricks about measuring a bike’s wheel and other requirements!
Traditional Sizing
In the past, there were many different measurement systems, such as the European metric system, British and US imperial versions, etc. At that time, the sizing of each company used to be different, and it was hard to find a replacement for the wheels. But the lack of compatibility and confusion has made the companies to use other sizing measurements for the wheels. That’s why they’re not considered as a standard measurement now.
ISO Sizing
ISO or The International Organization for Standardization has developed a standard measurement system to overcome the lacking of the traditional method. The new system uses millimeters to identify the size of the bike wheels. There’s no need to use a measuring tape for the metric system. You just have to remember that 1-inch equal to 25.4 millimeters and while calculating the width, multiply the inches with 25.4. As it’s the standard method and used world, you’ll find no trouble measuring your wheels. Also, nowadays, the size is printed to the tires’ wall, so you can easily find and check that.
Now let’s start talking about the process by which you can measure your bike’s wheels. And we’ve also added a chart for different wheel sizes for your convenience.
Step 1: Stand your bike up and keep it steady by leaning it against a wall or over a bike stand.
Step 2: Put a measuring tape and hold it against the center of the wheel and extend it toward the tire’s outer margin. As we’re measuring in the ISO method, calculate the numbers in millimeters from the center of the wheel to the inner margin of the tire and double numerical value.
Step 3: Now comes the easy part that is measuring the width. Again take the tape on the flat part across the tire’s tread from one side to the other in a straight direction, although the measurement of the width can vary depending on the purpose of use. For example, mountain bikes have wider tires as they’re use for rough, bumpy roads. On the other hand, regular road bikes have comparatively narrow tires for smooth and casual riding.
Calculate the Circumference of the Wheel
Now you know the width and diameter of the wheels. But if you know the circumference, which is the length of 1 complete revolution of the wheels, it’ll help you find the right wheels while replacing the old ones. And the formula for calculating circumference is straightforward. You just have to multiply pi or 3.1415 with the diameter. Bike manufacturers use this measurement as a standard technique. But there’re other ways as well by which you can find out the circumference.
Using a String
You can use a string to calculate the wheels’ circumference, in case you don’t know the actual diameter. Take the string and wrap it over the wheel and cut it on the end of a complete circle. And the length of that string completing the whole circle of the wheel is the circumference of your bike’s wheel.
Using Wet Paint
Spat a little amount of wet paint to only one spot to the outer portion of the tire. Move the bike and stop when the tire completes a full round stating from the spot of the paint and ending to exactly that point. Measure the length between the two dots on the ground, and you’ll get the wheels’ circumference.
The Future of the Wheel Sizes
The way other parts of the bike have improved, wheels have almost been in a neglected position. But now the situation has changed, and they’re getting the most attention. Soon bikes are coming with superior quality and big sizes. So that the bike riding gets more spontaneous. Also, the fact of sizing is getting more standard so that people won’t have to suffer any more in case of not finding a suitable bike according to their height or not getting the perfect replacement of their old wheels.
Bike Wheel Size Chart
Tire Size | Circumference (Meters) | Circumference (mm) | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|
700 x 18C | 2.07 | 2070 | 18-622 |
700 x 19C | 2.08 | 2080 | 19-622 |
700 x 20C | 2.086 | 2086 | 20-622 |
700 x 23C | 2.096 | 2096 | 23-622 |
700 x 25C | 2.105 | 2105 | 25-622 |
700C Tubular | 2.13 | 2130 | Cell |
700 x 28C | 2.136 | 2136 | 28-622 |
700 x 30C | 2.146 | 2146 | 30-622 |
700 x 32C | 2.155 | 2155 | 32-622 |
700 x 35C | 2.168 | 2168 | 35-622 |
700 x 38C | 2.18 | 2180 | 38-622 |
700 x 40C | 2.2 | 2200 | 40-622 |
700 x 44C | 2.235 | 2235 | 44-622 |
700 x 45C | 2.242 | 2242 | 45-622 |
700 x 47C | 2.268 | 2268 | 47-622 |
650 x 20C | 1.938 | 1938 | 20-571 |
650 x 23C | 1.944 | 1944 | 23-571 |
650 x 35A | 2.09 | 2090 | 37-590 |