Odd tyre size

[nagden]

My neighbour here in France was having a problem finding a tyre for her bike. It was a 26 x 1 I/4. I found one on line here in France but unfortunately it is significantly smaller than the original despite being marked with the same dimensions. The original tyre is marked 32-597 the replacement is marked 32-559. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Ian H]

There is a large number of tyres nominally known as 26". The ETRTO number (e.g. 32-597) is what you want.
Here is more information than you could ever want on bicycle tyre sizing: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

 

[Chris S]

There is a large number of tyres nominally known as 26". The ERTRO number (e.g. 32-597) is what you want.
Here is more information than you could ever want on bicycle tyre sizing: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

You just beat me to it!

 

[Marchrider]

both tyres are marked with 26 x 1¼ but are for different rims. The 597 & 559 is the bead seat diameter. the later for a 26-inch mountain bike wheel and the 597 a traditional road bike

 

[nagden]

Many thanks for your replies. After a lifetime of cycling I feel ashamed I never knew this. I will contact the supplier and arrange an exchange.

 

[DCLane]

It's the same with 20" wheels @nagden - they're called 20" but can be 406, 440 or 451 in the UK. Don't ask me how I know this

 

[nagden]

Thank you all for your replies. I have contacted the supplier who informs me that the size in question is extremely rare and it will be almost impossible to find another. They advised that it would be more practical to change the wheels. I suspect that this will be the end of the bike unfortunately.

 

[biggs682]

@nagden see link

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-large/rjt-tyre-26-x-1-14-inch-32597/

I have not tried these ones, but I need a pr for an ol' Raleigh I have in the fleet

 

[Punkawallah]

Thank you all for your replies. I have contacted the supplier who informs me that the size in question is extremely rare and it will be almost impossible to find another. They advised that it would be more practical to change the wheels. I suspect that this will be the end of the bike unfortunately.

Before you condemn the bike, come back to me and I’ll check my FLBS for that size tyre. It deals exclusively in second hand bikes, and has a goodly amount of odd tyres.

 

[Ian H]

Many thanks for your replies. After a lifetime of cycling I feel ashamed I never knew this. I will contact the supplier and arrange an exchange.

Still available in the UK. E.g. https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-large/rjt-tyre-26-x-1-14-inch-32597/

 

[All uphill]

Bankruptbikeparts is another good source of unusual tyre sizes.

https://bankruptbikeparts.co.uk/col...s-ribbed-tread-for-50s-60s-70s-80s-90s-racing

 

[nagden]

Still available in the UK. E.g. https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-large/rjt-tyre-26-x-1-14-inch-32597/

Thanks very much for that. I will see if I can get them delivered to my son before he comes out here after Christmas.