The tyre size maze

[mikey567]

I need basic advice on selecting a matching tyre size.
My mountain bike has 26 inch wheels. Both font and rear tyres have cracks, so I want to get like for like tyres to replace them.
Front is 26 x 190/200 [50-559]
Back is 26 x 190/200 [50-559]
Will a 26 x 1.95 inch tyre be OK, such as this:
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-cycle-tyre-26-x-195-inch/p/0128526

It's a bit confusing. Is the phrase "26 x 190/200" a mixture of inches and centimetres?

 

[mjr]

It's a bit confusing. Is the phrase "26 x 190/200" a mixture of inches and centimetres?

Maybe inches missing the decimal point?

In general, look for the 50-559. All other forms of size markings are prone to severe quirks, especially inches where 26" x 1.5" is very different to 26" x 1 1/2"

 

[Chris S]

Front is 26 x 190/200 [50-550]

Is this a typo? I've never come across a 550mm rim before and I can't find anything about it on the web.
If it is then a 26 x 1.95 inch tyre will be fine. 1.95 inches is 50mm, which is what you've got on already.

 

[mikey567]

I strongly suspect it's a typo for 50-559

My apologies. Maybe there was some dirt on the tyre when I checked it.

 

[matticus]

Phew! We narrowly avoided a 20 page thread talking about 550mm rims!

Bring it on! It would make a nice change from the usual recycled topics :P

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Can you get tubeless for 550mm rims?

 

[Cycleops]

Now we've got the size settled let's discuss the tyre.
Be aware that a tenner tyre from Wilko is not going to have the same puncture resistance or be made to same standard as a Schwalbe Marathon in any flavour.

 

[T4tomo]

Its a mountain bike, why would the OP put a commuting /touring tyre on a MTB. yes it is a cheap tyre but probably replacing a cheap tyre which has suited they use of the bike to date.

 

[Cycleops]

Just sayin'

Should have said any Schwalbe.

 

[mikey567]

Anyway, just popped into Wilkos and they only have a couple of tyres left on the shelf.
Probably waiting for a container ship to get into Felixstowe. More shortages...

 

[MichaelW2]

If you use the bike as an everyday utility/commuter bike then the basic Marathons are good.
If you use it for off road recreation then mtb knobbly tyres are the type to fit.

 

[I like Skol]

Jeez, seems like tyre choice is a maze.....

 

[matticus]

Jeez, seems like tyre choice is a maze.....

Not if you're after 550s ...

 

[mikey567]

The tyres I have seen in Wikos have the ISO codes stamped on them. So they should be a decent fit.
I won't be doing a high mileage or extreme off-roading, so don't see the point of buying expensive tyres.