Bicycle tyres might somethimes get overlooked, but as they are the only part of the bike that actually touch the ground, it is important to get this right.

Different terrains call for different tyres and while more aggressive tyres might have more grip in the dirt, they will also most likely have a higher rolling resistance on sealed roads. Striking the right balance between the types of terrain you mostly ride on in important.

We offer Schwalbe tyres in various sizes, styles and tread patterns to suit different terrains.

Which tyre fits which rim?

The inner diameter of the tire must match the rim bead seat diameter. For instance, a tire size 37-622 fits on a 622 x 19C rim.

Furthermore, the tire width must match the inner rim width.  Download the lookup table here. It shows possible combinations of tire widths and inner rim widths according to ETRTO, complete with additional Schwalbe recommendations.

Will the tyre fit into my frame?

The question whether tires will fit into a particular frame is often asked in relation to our ultra-wide tires.

Please bear in mind that with the large number of different bicycle models it is impossible to check the compatibility of all frames and tires.

Download the list here with the exact diameters and widths of our ultra wide tires. This should allow you to identify if there is sufficient frame clearance for the selected tire.

Why are tires often narrower than the stated tire size?

In order to ensure that tires have sufficient frame clearance, tire manufacturers generally prefer to keep production closer to the lower end of the permitted tolerance (+/- 3 mm).

Carcass casing materials have become more and more sophisticated over time. That reduces the tire widening after the fitting.

Furthermore, inflation pressure also plays a major role. With maximum inflation pressure the tire becomes wider than with low pressure. And a recently fitted tire still widens over time.

This can make a difference of 1 to 2 mm. The tire width is measured at the widest point, i.e. outside the lug.

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