Most Popular Mountain Bike Wheel Size

Not long ago mountain bikers didn t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes 26 inches was pretty much the only option.

Most popular mountain bike wheel size. We ve made that process a little simpler by collecting some top contenders in a variety of popular categories. Mountain bike wheels are most commonly referred to by their diameter in inches. Men s mountain bike brands can run you a pretty penny. 29 x 2 0 27 5 x 2 4 29 x 2 8.

However the most common 26 wheel which is denoted by 26 1 0 or 559mm bsd does not have a designated french size. Gaining major momentum 29 inch wheels are expected to become the prevailing wheel size for most mountain bikes with 5 inches of travel or less. While the original standard for mountain bikes was 26 several new standards have emerged over the past few years. These widely used measurements refer to the tire s diameter and are typically paired with a tire width in inches when written out i e.

Most mountain bikes today are offered in one of two wheel sizes. 27 5 also know as 650b or 29 called 29ers with traditional 26 wheels reserved for dirt jump freeride and kids bikes. But once 29 and 27 5 inch wheels hit the market the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. The most common wheel size is 27 5 which gives you insight into the rest of the bicycle dynamics.

But because retailers tend to offer a generic or universal frame many riders are not getting the custom fit they need for the best possible riding experience. With french measurements and mountain bike tires all you really need to know is that 650b 27 5 and 700c 29. When the world s first mountain bikes were being fabricated by pioneers like joe breeze charlie kelly and gary fisher old 26 cruiser wheels were the only bicycle wheels around that had wide enough tires for the demands of. Bikes with 29 inch wheels commonly called 29ers can ride over anything.

There are french sizes for variants of the 26 wheel. These widely used measurements refer to the tire s diameter and are typically paired with a tyre width in inches when written out i e. Mountain biking embraces a range of disciplines and bikes are available in a dizzying variety of types styles and prices. How much should i spend on a mountain bike.

First the 29 mountain bike wheel commonly called 29 ers and more recently the goldilocks middle standard wheel size of 27 5. You ll likely see some bikes that run a hundred or two from walmart and similar outlets. 29ers once reserved for taller riders and cross country racing have since evolved to fit smaller frames while 27 5 mountain bikes have never looked. There is no one best mountain bike but that doesn t mean you can t find the best mountain bike for you.

What started as the standard for american made cruisers almost 100 years ago later became the most popular mountain bike wheel size and remained on top for decades. 29 x 2 0 27 5 x 2 4 29 x 2 8.