Bicycle Wheel Size How To Measure

For example if you measure 14 inches from the ground to the center the diameter is 28 inches.

Bicycle wheel size how to measure. A bicycle s tire uses a measurement of overall diameter and width. The bead radius corresponds with the distance from the centre of the wheel to the centre of a brake block. If it is just the frame this will be the center point in the bottom bracket shell. If the bike is upright you can measure the bike wheel except the bike tipping onto you.

These different wheel and frame sizes help companies design bicycles that will fit kids of all ages and heights. Inseam size is often regarded as more accurate measurement however it is useful to measure both and compare to receive the best fitting bike. Now run the measuring tape up your seat tube. Then use a tape measure to measure the distance from the ground underneath the tire to the center of the wheel to get the radius.

Finally measure the flat part of the tire across the treads to find the width measurement. The wheel size is based on the diameter of the tire see below and as each tire size gets larger so does the size of the bicycle frame. To measure your bike s frame size take a measuring tape and place the tape in the center bolt of your bike s cranks. 2 measure from the center of the gear crank to the top of the seat tube if there isn t a label.

When your bike is in an upright position you ll easily measure the size of the bike without the bike tipping onto you. By comparing this dimension you can see if the brakes will reach when a different size of rim is fitted to your bike. Read the second number which will be the wheel rim width. Bikes at the lower end of that size range are meant for shorter individuals while taller people will need bikes sized 56 cm and up.

Switching from 630 to 622 for example needs another 4mm of brake reach. Adult bike size is measured on both height and inseam size. Half of the bead diameter i e. Bike frame sizes are measured in the same way for all styles of bicycle.

Put the bike upright against a wall or you can use the kick stand. Ensuring the right bike size for a child is essential. Since you are thinking only the bike alone a retractable metal tape will be a better option than the plastic tape as it leaves a free hand to you. Common bike sizes range from 48 cm 62 cm.

If you are doing it alone we recommend that you use a retractable metal tape as opposed to a plastic tap as it s sturdier and will leave you with a free hand. To measure a bicycle wheel start by standing the bike upright by leaning it against a wall or using the kickstand. How to measure bike wheels in inches. The best way to determine the wheel size is to examine a properly fitting tire and look for the size printed on its sidewall.

Stand your bike in an upright position or lean it on a wall. 12 inch 16 inch 20 inch and 24 inch. A guide on how to measure both height and inseam length will be covered later in this post. How to measure children bike size.