Proper tube size for bicycle tire
6 min read
Asked by: Shawna King
The size is almost always written somewhere on the sidewall of the tyre. Inner tubes typically state a wheel diameter and width range for which they will work, e.g. 26 x 1.95-2.125″, indicating that the tube is intended to fit a 26 inch tyre with a width of between 1.95 inches and 2.125 inches.
How do I know what size tube I need for my bike?
The best way to check what size inner tube you need is to look on the sidewall of your tyre. Tyre manufacturers print the size on the sidewalls, so look out for numbers such as ‘700x23c’ for a road bike, or ’26×1. 75′ which is for mountain bikes.
Do bike tubes need to be exact size?
While your diameter measurement needs to be exact, your width measurement does not. Because inner tubes stretch, they typically come in a range of widths. For example, one of our most popular tubes is the 26 x 1.75-2.125” which means it fits a 26-inch diameter tire with a width in the range of 1.75 to 2.125 inches.
Is a bike tube supposed to be bigger than the wheel?
A tube should not have excess length, and doubling on itself will cause the tire to feel uneven while riding, as well as increase the likelihood of flats.
Is the Tube the same size as the tire?
The tube should match the tire size diameter closely. However, tires that are close in bead diameter may use the same inner tube. For example, an inner tube for an ISO 630 tire (27-inch) will also fit an ISO 622 (700c) tire.
What size inner tube do I need for a 26 inch bike tire?
26 x 1.95-2.125″
Inner tubes typically state a wheel diameter and width range for which they will work, e.g. 26 x 1.95-2.125″, indicating that the tube is intended to fit a 26 inch tyre with a width of between 1.95 inches and 2.125 inches.
Is 26 inch tube the same as 700c?
What Is The Difference Between a 26 Inch and a 700c Wheel? This brings us around back to the same answer; they are the same diameter, but a 26-inch tire will fit onto a 700c rim but not the other way around because of the difference in rim thickness.
What happens if you use the wrong size inner tube?
A narrower tube that is over-inflated is prone to flats as the added stress can cause the area around the valve to fail. It is also more likely to get punctured by road debris or thorns as the rubber is much thinner than it would be when using a tube of the correct size or wider one.
Can I use a 700×32 tube in a 700×35 tire?
Of course you can. The only problem is it will be heavier than you need, and it will tend to get pinched between the tire and rim and will blow out if everything isn’t tucked inside, carefully so you don’t make a hole. But there’s no problem with safety. That’s fine…
Can I use a bigger tube in my bike tire?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use the next larger size tube in a smaller tire. It’s a common trick used by bike messengers to reduce the chance of flats. The only downside is a slightly heavier wheel since you’re using more tube that you really need.
What if bike tube is too big?
If a tube is too big in overall diameter there is a danger that it will “telescope” inside the tire (similar to “intussusception” of your intestines), resulting in a lump and, eventually, a split in the tube.
Can you over inflate an inner tube?
Do not over-inflate the tube. If the inner tube becomes creased or buckled during inflation, remove excess air (using a tire valve tool) until tube is round and not distorted. A properly inflated tube has no more than two pounds of air pressure.
How do you match a bicycle tire and rim?
Quote from video: The second important number is the tyres ISO. Number this represents the inner bead width of the tire. And it can be seen as the first number in the tires ET RTO.
How do you measure an inner tube on a bike tire?
Quote from video: If you check along the sidewall of your tire it'll tell you your size. So for example this my road bike tire is 700 by 32 that first number is the diameter of the tire.
What does 700C mean?
The term “700c” is the tire size according to the French system. The “700” is stating the diameter of the bicycle tire and “c” is the width size of the tire. However it’s not 700 millimeters it’s 633 millimeters. Also, another common mistake is that often riders confuse “c” with centimeters.
What is the air pressure for a 26 inch bike tire?
What Size Bike Inner Tube Do I Need? || REI
What does 700c mean?
The term “700c” is the tire size according to the French system. The “700” is stating the diameter of the bicycle tire and “c” is the width size of the tire. However it’s not 700 millimeters it’s 633 millimeters. Also, another common mistake is that often riders confuse “c” with centimeters.
Will a 29 inch tube fit a 700c?
So a 29 inch MTB tube will have the same diameter as a 700c road wheel, while a 27.5 inch tube will be the same diameter as a 650b road wheel. You can also get 26 inch MTB tubes.
What size is a 700c bike tube?
Road wheels are usually ‘700c’ sized (622mm in diameter, when measured from the bead seat to bead seat) and will need 700c tubes to match. These are sometimes referred to as 28in tubes, but that’s relatively uncommon. Meanwhile, mountain bike and commuter bike wheels and tyres are typically sized in inches.
Will a 1.75 tube fit a 1.95 tire?
#1. All tires of 26″ will fit on a 26″ rim. The diameter 1.5″, 1.75″,1.95″ etcetera have tubes which will fall into the range, ie, tire = 26″ x 1.75″ so you can use a tube in the range of 1.5″ – 1.75″.
What happens if you use the wrong size inner tube?
A narrower tube that is over-inflated is prone to flats as the added stress can cause the area around the valve to fail. It is also more likely to get punctured by road debris or thorns as the rubber is much thinner than it would be when using a tube of the correct size or wider one.
Can 1.5 tubes fit in 1.95 tires?
a 1.5″ tube will work in 1.95″ tires, but likely won’t last as long. Larger tires will cause more issues (don’t try 1.5″ tubes in 2.3″ tires if you want the tubes to last a ride).