A tire has two dimensions: diameter and width. The diameter is indicated by three numbers, which can depend on the type of bicycle and usually ranges from 330 to 740 mm. The width is indicated by two numbers, also in millimeters, and ranges from 18 to 62 mm. Usually, the tires themselves indicate which wheels they can be installed on, i.e. their diameter and width should be selected according to the bicycle rims. Thinner, or rather narrower, tires are most useful for professional riders, as this ensures speed, while wider ones provide comfort, which is why thicker tires are more often installed on mountain bikes. The thicker the tires, the more bumps they absorb and the more comfortable they are to ride. Tire width is usually classified by the type of bicycle.
racing bikes: usually 23 – 25 mm (28 mm is also possible)
mountain bikes: 44 – 62 mm;
touring bikes: 30 – 50 mm;
hybrid and city bikes: 30 – 44 mm.
Depending on the rim, bicycles can have tires of different widths. Therefore, it is advisable to check the rim width before purchasing a tire of a certain thickness.
18 – 25 mm wide tires are suitable for a 13 mm wide rim
15 mm wide — 23 – 32 mm is suitable
17 mm wide — 25 – 50 mm is suitable
19 mm wide — 28 – 62 mm is suitable
23 mm wide — 37 – 62 mm is suitable
25 mm wide — 44 – 62 mm is suitable
27 mm wide — 50 – 62 mm is suitable
29 mm wide — 54 – 62 mm is suitable
