Tyre size markings

[Martyn-123]

Hi,

Quick question please.


On my Kona MTB the tyre markings are 26 1.95 and have been looking for a wider tyre to fit.

What exactly does the markings 1.95 2.2 2.4 mean On MTB tyres ? Is this the overall width of the tyre at its widest point in inches to ensure it does not rub on the frame and forks or is it to do with the wheel rim size.

If it's a measurement in inches is 2.4 a fraction figure i.e. 2 and 4/10ths of a inch or 2 and 4eigths of a inch, if that makes sense.

Looking for a wide tyre such as the Continential Mountain King II which there are some good prices on ebay just to make the bike look a little better with wider tyres but concerned that if too wide it will rub on the frame and forks,


Regards,


Martyn.

[Jimbo.]

Th 1.95, 2.4 etc is tyre width, although it's not always consistent across tyre makes, as manufacturers measure it in different ways, and some tyres come up fatter/taller. Anyone who's ever gone from, say, a 2.3 Continental to a balloon-like 2.25 Maxxis Advantage will know what I mean!

[littleandy0410]

To add to the above reply, the 26 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. "Traditional" mountain bikes have 26 inch wheels, some (referred to as 29ers) have 29in wheels. Beware if buying on eBay that you make sure they're 26in.

Just to confuse matters further, road bikes have 700C wheels, which is the diameter in millimetres.

[Jimbo.]

littleandy0410 said:

To add to the above reply, the 26 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. "Traditional" mountain bikes have 26 inch wheels, some (referred to as 29ers) have 29in wheels. Beware if buying on eBay that you make sure they're 26in.

Just to confuse matters further, road bikes have 700C wheels, which is the diameter in millimetres.

Almost. 700c wheels are 622mm in diameter, which is the same as 29" wheels.

[Gizmoish]

At this point it is traditional to refer to Sheldon Brown: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html