What size wheels are available?
Our catalog covers a broad range of wheel sizes, from small kids’ wheels to large mountain-bike wheels, including road and gravel standards such as 700c. In our lineup you’ll typically find sizes from 12 inches up to 29 inches, with 700c as the common road/gravel standard. Availability varies by model, region, and specific compatibility, so always check the product specs for exact options.
Common wheel sizes by category
The following list highlights the sizes most often stocked across our bicycle lines. Availability can vary by model and region, so verify exact options on product pages.
- Kids’ bikes: 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", and 24" wheels
- Adult and mountain bikes: 26" (559 mm), 27.5" (584 mm, also known as 650B), 29" (622 mm, commonly called 29er)
- Road and gravel bikes: 700c (622 mm); gravel bikes also frequently use 650b (27.5") in some models
- Folding and commuter bikes: 16" and 20" wheels
These sizes reflect typical configurations in our catalog and are subject to model-specific constraints such as frame clearance and brake compatibility.
How to choose the right size
Follow these guidelines to ensure the wheel size you select fits your frame, tires, and riding goals. The steps below help verify compatibility and optimize performance.
- Check frame clearance and brake compatibility to confirm the wheel diameter fits the frame and the brakes work with the hub and rotor size.
- Consider your riding style and terrain: road riders often favor 700c, while mountain bikers choose 27.5" or 29" based on stability and rollover capability.
- Confirm hub type and axle compatibility (quick-release vs thru-axle) and ensure correct axle length for the frame.
- Account for tire width: wider tires can increase the overall diameter and may affect clearances and gearing choices.
- Consult model specifications or a bicycle professional to confirm exact size compatibility with your frame and components.
Choosing the right wheel size helps ensure safe fit, optimal handling, and alignment with your riding goals. If you’re unsure, reach out to support or visit a local retailer for hands-on help.
Notes on standards and terminology
Understanding common terms helps when comparing sizes across brands and models:
- Bead seat diameter (BSD) indicates the wheel’s inner diameter where the tire sits; common values include 622 mm for 700c/29er and 559 mm for older 26" wheels.
- 650b vs 27.5": the 650b designation corresponds to wheels around 584 mm BSD, frequently marketed as 27.5".
- 29" wheels usually refer to 622 mm BSD with taller tires, offering different rollover characteristics.
As wheel and tire technology evolve, always verify current specifications on product pages to ensure accuracy.
Summary
Our wheel sizes span from 12" for kids up to 29" for mountain bikes, with road and gravel models typically using 700c (and sometimes 650b) configurations. Size availability varies by model, region, and frame compatibility, so check the exact options on product pages or contact support. This guide outlines the standard ranges and provides a practical framework for selecting the right size for your ride.
Are there free wheel visualizers available?
Ever stood in a tire shop wondering if those wheels you're eyeing will actually look good on your car? That's exactly where wheel visualizers come to the rescue. These free online tools let you test-drive different wheel styles, sizes, and colors on your exact vehicle model—all without spending a penny upfront.
What size rims are available?
Wheel diameters can vary, but they typically range from 13"-24" (or higher for specialized low profile fitments). Only wheels and tires of the same diameter can be safely mounted together, meaning you can only mount a 16" tire on a 16" wheel.
What is the 3% rule for tires?
The 3% rule for tires is a guideline stating that replacement tires should not have an overall diameter that differs by more than 3% from the original factory tires. Sticking to this rule helps maintain the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer, prevents potential stress on your vehicle's drivetrain, and preserves the correct operation of safety systems like ABS and traction control.
Why the 3% rule is important
- Speedometer and odometer accuracy: These systems are calibrated based on the original tire size. Changing the diameter, whether larger or smaller, will cause your speedometer to show an incorrect speed and the odometer to track an incorrect mileage.
- Vehicle safety systems: Modern cars rely on accurate speed and wheel rotation data from all four tires. Exceeding the 3% difference can cause systems like ABS and traction control to function improperly.
- Drivetrain stress: On vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD), any difference in tire size between axles can cause excessive wear and potential failure of the drivetrain components.
- Handling and stability: Going beyond the 3% threshold can negatively impact your vehicle's handling characteristics, steering geometry, and overall stability.
How to apply the 3% rule
- Find the original tire diameter of your vehicle. This can be found on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb, in your owner's manual, or by checking your current tire's sidewall.
- Calculate 3% of that diameter to find your acceptable range. For example, a tire with a 26-inch diameter has a 3% range of about $\pm$0.78 inches (26×0.03≈0.7826 cross 0.03 is approximately equal to 0.7826×0.03≈0.78).
- Look for replacement tires with an overall diameter that falls within this range.
- If you are changing tire sizes significantly, consider using a tire size calculator to compare the dimensions of your old and new tires to ensure they are compatible.
Is a 285 tire the same as a 33?
No, a 285 tire is not the same as a 33-inch tire because the numbers represent different dimensions: 285 refers to the tire's width in millimeters, while 33 inches typically refers to the overall height. However, a specific tire size like a 285/70R17 is close in height to a 33-inch tire, with an approximate overall diameter of 32.7 inches.
Tire sizing explained
- 285: This number in a metric tire size (like 285/70R17) is the tire's width across the tread in millimeters.
- 33: In common off-road tire terminology, "33" refers to the tire's approximate overall height in inches.
- The middle number: The number in the middle of the metric size (e.g., 70 in 285/70R17) is the aspect ratio—the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width.
- Putting it together: To find the overall diameter, you calculate the sidewall height (width multiplied by aspect ratio) and add it twice, then add the wheel diameter.
- For a 285/70R17:
- Width: 285 mm≈11.22 inches285 mm is approximately equal to 11.22 inches285 mm≈11.22 inches
- Sidewall height: 11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches11.22 inches cross 0.70 is approximately equal to 7.85 inches11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches
- Total height: (7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inchesopen paren 7.85 inches cross 2 close paren plus 17 inch wheel is approximately equal to 32.7 inches(7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inches
- For a 285/70R17:
- Why the confusion: A 285/70R17 tire is frequently called a "33-inch" tire because its actual diameter is very close to 33 inches.
