There are various sizes of bicycle wheels from infants and children to adults.
Even wheels with the same inches can have problems because they are different sizes.
For example, 20-inch wheels actually come in two sizes.
Let’s find out the wheel size of all bicycles.
(An exception will be made for wheel sizes that are too rare.)
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Table of Contents
8 inch bike wheel size
8-inch wheeled bikes are not common.
Children’s bikes usually start at 12 inches, so 8 inches can be seen on special purpose bikes.
It looks very small, but in reality it is smaller.
You’ll see a lot of 8-inch wheels on bikes designed for folding like this.
And even if it’s not a bicycle, it’s also the wheel size used on a cart or kickboard.
12 inch bike wheel size
12-inch wheels are often seen on children’s bikes that are just starting out. And it’s also used for adult folding bikes.
It’s light so it’s easy for kids to handle, and its small size makes it easy to carry around.
It can also be used as a foldable bike.
Discontinued, but it is also the wheel size used in Lespo’s easy bike.
14 inch bike wheel size
14 inch wheels are not common. Usually kids ride a 12-inch kid’s bike and then switch to a 16-inch.
Major companies don’t make 14-inch bikes.
But companies like Huffy, which primarily produce children’s bikes, have 14-inch bikes. ( Huffy bike Link)
It is also used in minivelo.
It is not a size that is commonly seen in minivelo.
Bike companies use 14-inch wheels on bikes that either don’t feel small enough when folded, or that the 14-inch looks better in overall proportions.
Source : (dahone k3 Link)
The wheel size most commonly used in Dahon is usually 20 inches.
In the case of a smaller minivelo, it is 16 inches, and in the case of the image product “Dahon k3”, 14 inches are used. It’s very small.
And the Strida Mini also uses 14-inch wheels.
A regular strida uses 16 inches.
Some people even put 18-inch wheels as a tuning.
If you are curious about “Strida vs Strida Mini”, check out the contents of (Strida vs Strida Mini)
16 inch bike wheel size
The 16-inch is used a lot for children and is also used as a wheel for adult minivelo.
A child who learns to ride a bike with 12-inch wheels will switch to 16- or 20-inch wheels.
When going straight to 20 inches is a burden, 16-inch wheels can be a good choice.
Bromptons use 16-inch wheels.
16 inches are commonly used even in minivelos that should have the advantage of folding, such as Brompton. Of course, minivelos that are set mainly for speed use 20 inches.
When a tall adult rides on a 16-inch, the wheels look a lot smaller.
20 inch bike wheel size
20 inches should be divided into two sizes.
The wheel (rim) size is small, so the tire thickness is thick, and the size is large, so the tire thickness is thin.
small 20 inch – etrto 406mm
These wheels are used on BMX and standard minivelo or children’s bikes.
It’s a size that even adults can ride without difficulty, and it’s not rare, so it’s easy to get parts because it’s a regular 20-inch.
Big 20 inch – etrto 451mm
This wheel is a very rare wheel size, so it is not easy to find parts. Even compatible parts may not suit your taste.
This standard, which is etrto 451mm, is mainly used in BMX racing or used in minivelo racing minivelo.
The rim diameter is large and the tires are thin like a road bike.
24 inch bike wheel size
The 24-inch wheel is for elementary school students or women who are under 150 cm tall.
However, women who are less than 150cm tall do not choose this size because they do not want to ride bicycles that are considered children’s.
However, if your height is less than 150, we strongly recommend this wheel size.
And people who enjoy extreme riding like BMX bikes also prefer this wheel size.
26 inch bike wheel size
26-inch wheels were the standard size for mountain bikes from the 1980s through the mid-2010s. It’s a size that looks too small now, but I rode the mountain well with this bike.
There are still bikes with 26-inch wheels these days, but they serve a slightly different purpose.
These days, the use of 26-inch wheels is used on bicycles for a little extreme riding.
Or as a bike for short people.
I mentioned above that 24 inches is a good size for women under 150 cm.
I would like to say that 26 inches is a good size for those under 160 cm tall.
I’m 180cm tall and ride a 26″ bike, the bike wheels are very small for my height.
If you are tall but have small bike wheels, one of the typical symptoms is that if you set the appropriate handlebar as shown in the image, the handlebar rises up even though the handlebar is lower than the saddle.
27.5 inch bike wheel size
It is the middle size between 26 inches and 29 inches.
Many brands use 27.5 for shorter people in the category of mountain bikes.
Of course, the trend hasn’t been decided yet.
There are also brands that use 29-inch wheels to create a posture that allows short people to ride.
On the other hand, if you are not tall, there are brands that use 27.5 wheels, reduce the suspension a little, and make a lot of difference in geometry.
To be sure, 27.5 wheels are halfway between 26-inch and 29-inch wheels.
29 inch bike wheel size
Since time immemorial, Grandpa Gary Fisher has been talking about the need for 29-inch wheels.
Then he actually built a 29-inch wheel bike. It was commercially unsuccessful. So it ended up being acquired by Trek.
These days, if there is no special reason, ride 29 inches.
The wheels are incredibly large. It’s also hard to deal with.
I think 29 inches will fit well for most people if they are taller than 170. (if you have power)
Mountain riding courses are very rough and irregular. In that situation, big wheels work.
It’s a problem that the bike gets heavier when the wheels get bigger, but it’s a bigger problem that the bike gets bigger. That’s why the weight shift has to increase.
So it takes more time to get used to the bike.
650B bicycle wheel size
The 650B size is the same as the current 27.5. However, before the 27.5 standard came out, this size was used as a size for short women riding road bikes.
I still think it’s a good choice.
700C bike wheel size
Standard road bike wheel size.
700C is 28 inches in inches.
Road bikes don’t have wheel size choices. It’s just a 700C ride.
Except, of course, for time trials or triathlons.
conclusion
road bike
Since road bikes are fixed at 700C, you can use 700C unless there are special circumstances. If you want less wind resistance or are short, you can use 650B.
mountain bike
For mountain bikes, it’s a bit vague. There is also a feeling that it seems like a gimmick.
But after riding all 26 vs 27.5 vs 29, there is definitely a difference.
The conclusion I came to is this.
If you want extreme fun, you’re right to ride the 26-inch.
If you want lightness, it’s also right to ride 26 inches.
However, the advantages of 29 inches are clear. It has a good ability to run with a sense of stability on rough rough roads.
However, in motions that give cute fun, such as bunny hops and manuals, there is definitely a slow feeling.
A 29-inch bike is much bigger.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to use 29 inches as the main and add 26 inches when you want fun riding after getting used to riding.
And, if you are worried about choosing between 27.5 and 29 inches on a mountain bike
People who shouldn’t ride a 29-inch bicycle If you read this article, it will be helpful.
general riding
If it is neither a road bike nor a mountain bike, it is recommended to match your height unconditionally.
First of all, within the size range suitable for your height, we recommend choosing a smaller size if you want a more cute and agile riding taste, or a larger size if you want long-distance constant speed.