Tire Size Chart For Bicycle Rims

When it is time to replace your well-worn tires, it is a good opportunity to unlock the full potential of your wheels by trying something new. This chart will provide guidance on what tires sizes can match your internal rim width.

Unfit tire size could damage the rim and put the riders in danger. If the tire is not wide enough, you’re risking more pinch flats and blowouts; if it is too wide, tire burping and poor stability may occur.

In this blog, we list the recommended tire size charts for LB mountain/road/fat rims. Check it carefully before ordering carbon rims or buying new tires. If your combination is not listed here, please contact us to discuss it.

MTB RIMS / TIRES

Tire Size Rim Width (Inner)	1.9"	2.0"	2.1"	2.2"	2.3"	2.4"	2.5"	2.8" (Plus)
19mm	1.9 - 2.1"
20mm	1.9 - 2.2"
21-22mm	1.9 - 2.3"
23mm	1.9 - 2.4"
24mm		2.0 - 2.4"
25-28mm			2.1 - 2.7"
29-30mm				2.2 - 2.7"
31-33mm					2.3 - 3.1"(Plus)
34mm						2.4 - 3.1"(Plus)
35-39mm							2.5 - 3.1"(Plus)
40-50mm								2.8 - 3.1"(Plus)

Note:

The recommendations are based on our rim-tire compatibility tests with some of the most popular tires. This chart only serves as a general guide since bead design, inflation pressures, and other variables will affect the actual rim-tire compatibility. Please send the rim profile to the tire manufacturer to double-check.

We don’t suggest choosing the largest or smallest values of a size range. For example, with a range from 1.9” to 2.1”, 2.0” is an optimal option for most riders.

The chart is only applicable to Light Bicycle rims with a unique rim-tire interface. If you use rims of other brands, please send a rim profile to the tire maker for recommendations.

ROAD RIMS / TIRES

Tire Size Rim Width (Inner)	23-25C	25-28C	28-30C
17 - 19mm	23 - 38C
20 - 21mm		25 - 43C
22 - 23mm		25 - 48C
24 - 25mm			28 - 50C

Note:

The recommendations are based on our rim-tire compatibility tests with some of the most popular tires. This chart only serves as a general guide as bead design, inflation pressures, and other variables will affect the actual rim-tire compatibility. Please send the rim profile to the tire manufacturer to double-check.

We don’t suggest choosing the largest and smallest values of a size range. For example, with a range from 25C to 30C, 28C is an optimal option for most riders.

The chart is only applicable to Light Bicycle rims with a specific rim-tire interface. If you use rims of other brands, please send a rim profile to the tire maker for recommendations.

FAT RIMS / TIRES

Tire Size Rim Width (Inner)	3.8 - 4.2"	4.3 - 5.0"
55 - 65mm	3.8 - 5.0"
70 - 85mm		4.3 - 5.0"

Note:

The recommendations are based on our rim-tire compatibility tests with some of the most popular tires. This chart only serves as a general guide as bead design, inflation pressures, and other variables will affect the actual rim-tire compatibility. The chart data should be verified with the tire manufacturer.

We don’t suggest choosing the largest and smallest values of a recommended size range. For example, with a range from 4.3” to 5.0”, 4.7” is an optimal option for most riders.

The chart is only applicable to Light Bicycle rims with a specific rim-tire interface. If you use rims of other brands, please send rim profiles to the tire maker for recommendations.

Recently we have done some tests on tire width and weight and make them good blogs to help you choose the right tires for your bike quickly.

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November 28th, 2016 | Light Bicycle

COMMENTS

Alexander 2023/10/03

Hello sir! I am considering buying Ursus Athon wheelset. It has 14 mm inner width. Is it ok running 28 mm tires on it, like, for example, Continental Gatorskin 28, or, would it be better taking a little wider inner width wheelset, like 17 mm for instance? Talking about safety, less pinch flats, etc? Sincerely Alexander

LightBicycle 2023/10/04

Hi Alexander, Hi Alexander, Thanks for your inquiry! For 14mm inner width wheels 700c, they are too narrow for 28mm tires. It is better that the wheels are at least with 20mm or 21mm inner width. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Gab 2023/05/10

Hi! Can I fit a 28mm tire on a wheel that has 25mm internal and 30mm external? Thank you!

LightBicycle 2023/05/11

Hi Gab, Thanks for reaching out! We test lots of tires on our 25mm internal width rims. You can take this chart for a reference. But this is just the result on our rims. If your rims are specially designed. Please contact the manufacture to be certain. https://www.lightbicycle.com/newsletter/Road-Bike-Tire-Width-Charts.html Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Mark 2023/04/27

I have a fat bike with 65 mm wheels and 3.8 tires ,can I put 2.8 tires on it ?

LightBicycle 2023/04/28

Hi Mark, For fat bike rims/whees with 60mm inner/65mm outer, the recommend tire width is 3.8"~4.2".For 2.8", it is okay to install. But it is a bit narrow. We do not recommend. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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JACQUES 2023/03/10

Gravel wheels question: Can I run 45mm tyre on 23mm innerwith rims safely? Which brings me to the question: am I right that if you go wider on tyre, and the rim is comparably skinny, do you not increase the chances of sidewall cuts?

LightBicycle 2023/03/10

Hi Sir, 1. Yes, you can use 45c tires on a 23mm internal rim 700C. 2. The chance of a snake-bike would be higher. But no necessary, it depends on the bead design of the rim. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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jim 2023/02/02

Just picked up: 700c-Falcon-WHEELSET AR56-28MM-28mm wide-56mm deep Currently running GP5000 28's, I don't speculate any inherit issues with running 28's on this wheelset. Via the chart and what I've been reading I should be just fine, right?

LightBicycle 2023/02/03

Hi Jim, The AR56 road disc wheelset 700C is 30mm wide on our website. Please check below link.https://www.lightbicycle.com/700C-Gravel-Optimized-Aero-Shape-56mm-depth-hand-built-carbon-road-disc-wheels---30mm-wide-and-tubeless-compatible.html Here is some data that we install some tires. Used a tire levers, possible by had if you had experience when you install GP5000 28C tires on AR56 wheels. https://www.lightbicycle.com/newsletter/Road-Bike-Tire-Width-Charts.html Thanks, Lightbicycle

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William 2022/09/26

Hi, recently I inherited a 2002 Olpran Spirit bike (from their trekking line) from my father in law, which has 28" tires, 40-622 aka 28x1.5 aka 700x38c. The external rim width is 26mm and internal 20mm. Can I put there 700x50c aka 28x2.00 tires ? (there is enough clearance front and back) According to your mtb chart yes, according to the road chart no, but this is more of a trekking bike.

LightBicycle 2022/09/27

Hi Sir, Yes, MTB tires and road tires are designed differently. You can use 2.2" MTB tires on a 20mm inner width rim. But if you plan to run higher pressure than 40/50psi, MTB tires won't be able to hold it. So if your father in-law prefer to run with high pressure, and mostly on smooth roads. Road tires would be more suitable. But, the tire width is limited. We recommend the widest 43c. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Tim 2022/09/19

You never clarify whether you're talking about the inner width or the outer width of the rims.

LightBicycle 2022/09/20

Hi Tim, The internal width is what matters when it comes to installation and tire fitting. You can see the heading of the chart is "internal rim width". We want to make improvement as we can. So if it would be greatly appreciated if you can share your option regarding improvement of this page, or the whole site. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Adam 2022/08/15

Hello, I enjoyed this article. I am dealing with some older tech on my 2012 XC MTB. I have Easton EA90XC rims that are 19mm width. The manufacturer rates tire width up to 2.3inches. I was hoping to get a 2.3 trail tire on the front and a 2.2 XC tire on the rear. Assuming clearance, does that seem workable? Thank you

LightBicycle 2022/08/15

Hi Adam, Yes, you can use 2.3 inch tire font the front and 2.2 inch tire on the back since this is within the manufacture's recommendation. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Neil 2022/06/10

Hi I'm planning to buy a rim that has a 27mm internal rim width and 33 external rim width, my tire is 26 x 2.25 do you think that it is ok or not?

LightBicycle 2022/06/11

Hi Neil, For our 26er bike rim RM26C03 26", 27mm/33mm width, recommend 2.1"-2.7" tire. So, 2.25" tire can work for this rim 26er bike. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Denny 2022/06/08

Looking for a wheelset for a 29r Specialized Turbo SL road ebike. 12x110 boost front and a 12x148 Boost rear. both under23mm(or close) inner width. 6 bolt disc I use 28 mm tires

LightBicycle 2022/06/09

Hi Denny, We could use end caps to convert DT 350 15*110mm boost to 12*110mm boost for 29er mountain bike wheelset. Is it okay for you? Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Emerson 2022/05/25

Hi, I have Btwin Riverside 500 Hybrid Cycle, would you be able to help what would be the max tire width I can replace it with? I think i am currently having "28. Your response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

LightBicycle 2022/05/26

Hi Emerson, Thanks for reaching out! According to DECATHLON's official statement, the Riverside 500 Hybrid came with 38c tires. And the rim is 21-622, which usually indicates the internal width of the rim is 21mm. According to our experience (carbon rims), 25c-43c tires are compatible with a 21mm internal rim. I hope this can be your reference in a way. But given the fact that different factories design the interface differently, you might also want to check with DECATHLON directly to be certain. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Steph 2022/03/10

Hi! Im having now a 27.5×2.4 for 31mm internal width and 29x2.5 for 35mm internal width, it's all ok?

LightBicycle 2022/03/11

Hi Steph, Yes, the tire sizes you choose are compatible with the rims 650B you have. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Blaik 2022/02/03

Hi, I have a 2019 marlin 6 on the stock rims. I believe they are 20mm internal width. When I bought it it had 29x2.5 maxxis hookworm tyres, and I haven't had any issues so far. Do you think it is necessary to change out either the rims or tyres to be safe? (I haven't ridden the bike hard so far, but I plan to push a bit more in the future.)

LightBicycle 2022/02/03

Hi Lewis, For 29er 2.5" tires, it is better to use wider rims, like 29er inner width around 25mm to 28mm. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Montaps 2022/01/22

I have a 24mm external rim width. Can I replace my 2.3 tires with a 2.5 or 2.6 new tires? If so, do I need to buy new tubes as well? Thanks.

LightBicycle 2022/01/22

Hi Montaps, What is your rim inner wdith? Thanks, Lightbicycle

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Neil 2021/12/04

Which fat bike wheel would you choose for a 4” Jumbo Jim? Currently have them on my 80mm wheels, seems odd to go narrower as the chart recommends… Thanks

LightBicycle 2021/12/04

Hi Neil, I would suggest a rim with an internal width of 60-65mm. Take reference to our fat bike rimcarbon RSNOW03, it's with 65mm external/60mm internal width. Thanks, Lightbicycle

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