Wheel size

[EmElGee]

I have an MTB with 26 2.2 tires. Can anyone help me understand what range of tire size I swap and use the same rims? For instance. Can I use a 26 2.25 tire on my current rims? Is the second measurement the road side and the rim side is the same for all 26" tires? Thanks

 

[Spiderweb]

26 x 2.25 will be fine.

 

[I like Skol]

As far as you are concerned 26" is effectively the rim 'size' for mtb tyres. The 2.2 or 2.25 is how 'fat' the tyre is, measured in diameter in inches. If you go above 2.2" then you need to be sure the tyre will fit inbetween the frame without rubbing. Just be aware that tyre ' fatness' varies from one manufacturer to another so a 2.2 from one company may actually be physically quite different to a tyre of the same nominal size from a different company.

 

[DCBassman]

There's more than one size of 26". The mtb one is also designated 559, which is also on the tyre somewhere .

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

If in doubt it's safer to go down a size, as a 26" x 2" will definitely have clearance, whereas going up even slightly might cause a problem depending on current clearances and manufacturers tolerances. 2" tyres will also weigh less than 2.2" or 2.25".

 

[MichaelW2]

Sheldon Brown posted a guide to the min and max recommended tyre width compatible with different rim widths.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html