Tyre & Tube Size Guide
Not sure what size you need?
Choosing the correct tyre or inner tube is easier than it looks. The most important information is the size printed on the sidewall of your existing tyre.
Understanding tyre sizes
You will normally see a tyre size written in two ways.
For example:
The 60-622 number is the ETRTO size. This is the most reliable way to identify the correct tyre or inner tube.
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 60 | Approximate tyre width in millimetres |
| 622 | Rim diameter in millimetres |
Common bicycle tyre sizes
Here are some of the most common sizes you'll come across when shopping for bicycle tyres and tubes.
| Wheel | Common sizes | ETRTO examples |
|---|---|---|
| 26" | 26 × 1.75, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 | 47-559, 50-559, 55-559, 60-559 |
| 27.5" / 650B | 27.5 × 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 | 50-584, 55-584, 60-584, 65-584 |
| 29" | 29 × 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 | 50-622, 55-622, 60-622, 65-622 |
| 700C Road | 700 × 25C, 28C, 30C, 32C | 25-622, 28-622, 30-622, 32-622 |
| 700C Gravel | 700 × 35C, 40C, 45C, 47C | 35-622, 40-622, 45-622, 47-622 |
| 650B Gravel | 650 × 40B, 45B, 47B, 50B | 40-584, 45-584, 47-584, 50-584 |
MTB tyre sizes
MTB tyres are commonly identified by their wheel diameter followed by their approximate width.
27.5" MTB
Example sizes:
27.5 × 2.20
55-584
27.5 × 2.40
60-584
27.5 × 2.60
65-584
29" MTB
Example sizes:
29 × 2.20
55-622
29 × 2.40
60-622
29 × 2.60
65-622
Finding the right inner tube
Inner tubes are designed to cover a range of tyre widths rather than one exact tyre size.
When choosing a tube, you need to match:
- Wheel diameter — for example 26", 27.5", 29" or 700C.
- Tyre width — make sure your tyre falls within the tube's stated size range.
- Valve type — Presta or Schrader.
- Valve length — particularly important with deep-section rims.
Inner tube examples
29 × 2.40 tyre
60-622
Choose a 29" tube whose width range includes approximately 60mm.
700 × 28C tyre
28-622
Choose a 700C tube whose width range includes 28mm.
26 × 2.10 tyre
Approximately 54-559
Choose a 26" tube whose width range includes your tyre width.
Choosing the right valve
Presta Valve
The slim valve commonly found on road bikes, gravel bikes and many modern MTB wheels.
Common lengths:
42mm · 60mm · 80mm
If you have a deep-section rim, check that the valve is long enough to reach through the rim and allow your pump head to attach securely.
Schrader Valve
The wider valve type, similar to the valve used on cars.
Commonly found on many commuter, hybrid, children's and older MTB bikes.
One important thing to remember
Your inner tube does not have to exactly match the width printed on your tyre.
For example, if your tyre is 700 × 28C, you can use a tube designed to cover a range such as 25–32mm.
Match the wheel diameter first, then make sure your tyre width falls within the tube's stated range.
What about tubeless?
If your tyre is marked Tubeless Ready, it can be used as part of a suitable tubeless setup. However, the tyre alone is not enough to run tubeless.
A typical tubeless setup requires compatible:
- Tyres
- Rims
- Rim tape
- Tubeless valves
- Sealant
Always check that your particular rim and tyre combination is compatible before converting to tubeless.
Replacing your tyre?
When replacing a tyre, check more than just the wheel diameter. You should also consider:
26", 27.5", 29", 700C etc.
Make sure your frame and fork have sufficient clearance.
Check the tyre is suitable for your rim.
Quick check before ordering
1. Check the size on your tyre sidewall.
2. Find the ETRTO number if possible.
3. Match the wheel diameter.
4. Check the tyre width.
5. Check Presta or Schrader valve.
6. Check valve length if you have a deep rim.
Still not sure?
No problem. Send us a photo of the writing on your tyre sidewall and we'll help you work out what you need.
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LoamLines Cycle Tyres & Supply