Choosing the right wheel size for your bike may seem like a hassle, but it’s actually a critical part of ensuring comfort and performance. Depending on the type of bike you have, there are several wheel sizes available, ranging from 20 to 29 inches. Whether you’re converting your bike to electric or simply want to upgrade your wheels, it’s important to understand what these sizes mean and how they affect your ride.

The different wheel sizes

There are several wheel sizes, each suited to a specific type of bike or use. Here's an overview of the most common sizes and their characteristics:

• 20 inch : 20-inch wheels are often used for kids' bikes, folding bikes, or compact city bikes. They offer a more agile ride, but are a little less comfortable for long distances.
• 24 inches : A little larger than 20-inch wheels, they are frequently found on teen bikes or city bikes. They provide a good compromise between handling and comfort.
• 26 inch : The classic size for mountain bikes and all-terrain bikes. 26-inch wheels are ideal for rough terrain and offer a good balance between comfort, stability and agility.
• 27.5 inch : Also called 650B, these are increasingly popular on modern mountain bikes. 27.5 inch wheels offer a better compromise between 26 inch and 29 inch, with excellent performance on varied terrain.
• 28/700c inches : Mainly used on road bikes, hybrid bikes and touring bikes. 28-inch wheels are very suitable for speed and smoothness on smooth surfaces.
• 29 inch : 29-inch wheels are often used on modern mountain bikes, especially those dedicated to cross-country. These wheels offer excellent stability, especially for technical and uneven terrain.

Bike wheel size EN	ETRO bicycle wheel size	FR bike wheel size	Type of bike	Reebike wheel size
20	400-406-428-432-438-440-451	500		20 inches
24	507-520- 531- 534-540- 541	600		24 inches
26	559-571-590-597	650	mountain bike	26 inches
27.5	584	650	mountain bike	27.5 inches
28	622-635-642	700 – 700c	VTC / VAE / City	28/29 inches
29	622	700 – 700c	mountain bike	28/29 inches

Bicycle wheel size concordance table in inches (in) and millimeters (mm)

How do I know what wheel size to choose?

The wheel size depends mainly on your bike type and the use you make of it. However, there are clear guidelines to help you choose the right size. Here are the steps to follow to determine the right wheel size for your bike:

1. Check the markings on the sidewall of your tire
   The wheel size is usually listed on the sidewall of your tire. There you will find a combination of numbers that tell you the size of the tire. For example, on a 28-inch tire, you might see something like "28 x 1.75" or "700 x 35c." These numbers tell you not only the diameter of the wheel, but also the width of the tire.
2. Check the type of bike you have
   Depending on your bike (mountain bike, road bike, folding bike, e-bike), wheel sizes vary. Road bikes mostly use 28-inch (700c) wheels, while mountain bikes use 26, 27.5, or 29-inch wheels.
3. Consider what you're using it for
   For a road bike, 28-inch wheels are ideal for speed and performance. For a mountain bike, 27.5 or 29-inch wheels are often preferred for their obstacle-clearing ability and stability.
4. Think about handling and comfort
   If you prefer a more agile bike, 20 or 24 inch wheels will be more appropriate. If you are looking for more comfort, especially for long rides, opt for 28 or 29 inch wheels.

Why is wheel size important?

Choosing the right wheel size can affect many aspects of your driving experience:

• Comfort : Larger wheels, such as 28 or 29 inches, provide better shock absorption, which is ideal for uneven terrain or long distances.
• Speed ​​and performance : Smaller wheels are generally lighter and more maneuverable, ideal for quick acceleration or city driving. Larger wheels, on the other hand, are better suited to more demanding terrain and allow for better stability and traction.
• Handling : Smaller wheels, such as 20 or 24 inches, allow for more agile handling, but can make the bike less stable at high speeds.

Reebike wheel size and kits

Reebike kits, which allow you to transform your bike into an electric bike, are compatible with all standard wheel sizes (20, 24, 26, 27.5, 28/700c, and 29 inches). No matter what wheel size you have, installing the kit is quick and easy. All you have to do is check that your rim is suitable and install the motor in the wheel without any worries. For optimal comfort, it is essential to choose the wheel size according to your type of bike and the use you make of it.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wheel size for your bike depends primarily on your bike type and how you want to use it. Whether you choose a road bike, mountain bike, or even a folding bike, it’s important to consider the different sizes available to maximize your comfort, performance, and handling. Remember that wheel size is easy to identify by the markings on your tire, which will help you make an informed choice. And if you’re looking to convert your bike to electric, Reebike kits fit all standard wheel sizes!