How to Find the Correct Size Inner Tube & Tire for a Bicycle
Selecting the right tire for your bicycle is not simply a matter of choice. If you still have your old tire, you can simply read the dimensions printed on the tire sidewall. Without this old tire, you will need to know the size of your rim. From there, you can choose from a number treads and compounds; whatever best fits your riding style. Once you determine what size tire you need, you can then proceed to choosing a proper size inner tube.
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Instructions
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1
Remove your wheel from bicycle. This will give you greater access to the points of the wheel that you will need to measure.
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2
Measure the inner width of the rim. Note your measurement in both metric and standard. Tire sizes can be listed in either one.
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3
Measure the bead seat diameter (BSD). Observe the inner portion of the rim. There is a shelf running along each side of the inner rim. This is the bead seat. To determine the diameter, place the tip of your measuring tip on the outside of the rim at the level of the bead seat. Measure from this point to the bead seat directly opposite.
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4
Look for a tire that matches your two measurements. Typically the BSD will be listed first, followed by the rim width. 700x23mm, for instance, is a common measurement for road bikes.
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5
Purchase your inner tube. Inner tubes will be listed with same dimension as your old tire.
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