Bicycle Hangar Missoula, Mt

There are a couple of wheel/tires sizes that are standard on American Bicycles.  Bicycle tire sizes are normally measured on the outside of the tire and this is called the nominal tire size.  For example a 26 x 2.0 tire will fit on a 26 x 1.75 or 26 x 1.5 wheel.  The approximate outside diameter with the tire installed is 26 inches. 

 What is the difference between 26 x1.75 and 26 x 1 3/4?
The 1 3/4 size is actually a different bead size so the tires will not interchange.  The 26 x1 3/4 is an old Schwinn size that has not been made since the 60’s but the tires are still available to fit these rims.

Is 27″ the same as 700c?
No the 27 x 1 1/4 tire will not fit a 700c rim.  The bead of the tire is about 1/2″ too big.  Tubes will normally work on either 700c or 27″ tires just fine.

Is 29″ the same as 700c?
Yes, the bead size of a 29″ mountain bike wheel is the same size as the bead size of a 700c rim.  Normally the mountain rims are a little bit wider to allow the 29″ tire to fit a little better.

Old 3 speed bicycle sizes
The old 26 x 1 3/8 tire size is not the same as the 26 x 1.75 or the 26 x 1 3/4.  There is also another 26 x 1 3/8 tire size that was made by Schwinn until the late 70s that was called 26 x 1 3/8 or 26 x 1 1/4.  The bead of this rim is just large enough that it seems you will be able to get the regular 26 x 1 3/8 tire on.  You will ruin the tire if you do get it on and it is nearly impossible to get back off.

Rick Kern Bicycle Hangar Missoula, Mt

Getting a comfortable bicycle seat depends on a several things.  First the seat, but almost as important as the seat itself is the fit of the bike.  If you are  not properly fitted on your bike your seat will never be comfortable.

Seat Angle
The seat angle is important.  The angle of the seat is adjustable in very small increments usually.  If the nose of the seat is too high or too low it will make you uncomfortable.  With the nose of the seat angled down too much you will also get more weight on your hands.

Seat Position
The seat can be moved forward or backward also.  Sliding the seat forward will raise your head a little and change the angle of your back.  It will also bring the pedals a little further back in your overall position.

Seat Height
This is one of the most common problems. Too low of a seat height will make your bottom sore when you ride.  With a low seat height you do not transfer enough weight onto your pedals so all your weight will be on the seat. If your seat is too high that will make you uncomfortable also.

Hand Position
If your hands are positioned too far forward or to low that can make you uncomfortable.

And Finally the Seat itself is important.  At the Bicycle Hangar in Missoula we have several different seats and can help adjust the seat height, angle, and position to help make you more comfortable on your bike.  Often we can change stems to move your hand position also.

A comfortable bike is a lot more fun to ride.