Tire Guides

Tire Size

Tire Size Standards

Bicycle tires use various sizing standards. Understanding the difference between ETRTO, Inch, and French notations is key to finding the perfect fit.

ETRTO (ISO)

e.g. 37-622

The modern European standard. Indicates Width (37mm) and Inner Diameter (622mm). This is the most unambiguous and recommended method.

Inch (Imperial)

e.g. 28 x 1.40

Traditional notation. Indicates approx. Outer Diameter (28") and Width (1.40"). Often imprecise (e.g., 26" can refer to multiple different diameters).

French

e.g. 700 x 35C

Indicates approx. Outer Diameter (700mm) and Width (35mm). The letter (C) hints at the inner diameter (622mm). Common in Road/Gravel.

Notation Comparison Table

Dimension	ETRTO	Inch	French
Example Size	37-622	28 x 1.40 or 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/8	700 x 35C
Outer Diameter	-	~ 28 Inch	~ 700 mm
Inner Diameter	622 mm	-	-
Tire Width	~ 37 mm	~ 1 3/8 Inch (1.40 Inch)	~ 35 mm
Tire Height	-	~ 1 5/8 Inch	-

Market Landscape

This list encompasses almost every known size designation found in the market, including historical and modern standards. Classic fractional sizes are often found on vintage Schwalbe tires or specific heritage models.

Overview table comparing ETRTO, inch and French tire size designations

The "28 Inch" vs "29 Inch" Mystery

SAMEInner Diameter

622 mm

Both 28" (Touring/Road) and 29" (MTB) tires fit on the same 622mm rim diameter.

History & Context

28 Inches: The traditional European size for touring bikes.
29 Inches: A marketing term introduced in the US for voluminous MTB tires that, when mounted, have an approx. outer diameter of 29".

Reality Check

Both designations are imprecise. A narrow 28" road tire (23mm) is actually ~26" outer diameter. A wide MTB tire (60mm+) is almost 30".

Tire and Frame Clearance Guide

With our particularly wide tires, the question often arises as to whether the tires will still fit in the frame. Please understand that due to the large number of bicycle models, we cannot check all frames for compatibility with the various tires. Below we provide the exact diameters and widths of our extra-wide tires. You can use this information to check whether the installation dimensions of your frame offer enough space for the desired tire.

Frame clearance overview 1 for checking whether wide tires fit in the frame

Frame clearance overview 2 showing dimensions for wide tires

Frame clearance overview 3 with detailed extra-wide tire measurements

Exact Circumference Guide

Exact tire circumferences are often required for precise programming of the bike computer. The wheel circumference varies depending on the inner rim width, puncture protection in the tire, air pressure and weight load. For this reason, we cannot specify the exact wheel circumferences.

For precise programming of a wheel computer, we recommend a simple rolling test with the rider in the saddle: Align the valve from the front wheel at the bottom 6 o’clock position, make a mark on the floor or lay the end of a tape measure at this point, roll the bike forward in as straight a line as possible until the front has done one full rotation and the valve is once again the 6 o’clock position. Then take the distance measurement directly from the tape measure or mark the floor at this point and measure between the two marks.

Example chart for determining the exact circumference of a Schwalbe tire for bike computer setup

Tubeless Tires Overview

No tubeless products are listed yet. Coming soon.

Comparison of tubeless, inner tube and tubular road bike tires — Construction Differences: Tube vs Tubeless vs Tubular

Pros and cons chart comparing tubeless, inner tube and tubular tires — Performance Matrix: Resistance, Protection & Comfort

System Definitions

Inner Tube System

The classic standard. Tires composed of "inner tube + outer tire". The pneumatic tire resides in the inner cavity.

Universal Compatibility

Tubeless System

No inner tube required. The tire, specialized rim, and valve create a closed air-tight space, similar to automotive tires.

Performance Standard

Is Tubeless For Me?

If you ride daily commutes or casual leisure, Inner Tubes are sufficient and low maintenance.
If you ride on rough terrain, desire lower rolling resistance, or want advanced puncture protection, then Tubeless is the superior choice.

⚠️ Note:

If you previously used an aluminum rim with a traditional inner tube and tire setup, and now plan to upgrade to a tubeless system, please first refer to the rim cross-section diagram above.

Rims designed for tubeless compatibility can support both inner tube setups and tubeless tires. However, if your rim matches the first example shown above—designed only for standard inner tube use—it is not compatible with tubeless tires and must be replaced.

Key Advantages Overview

Self-Sealing

Sealant fills small punctures automatically instantly. No snake bites.

Lower Pressure

Can run ~80psi (Road) or lower for better grip and comfort without pinch flats.

Rolling Resistance

No internal friction between tube and tire means faster rolling speed.

Installation Guide

Step-by-step visual instructions

Pressure Check

Find optimal PSI for Tubeless

Tubeless Installation Guide

The tubeless system relies on an airtight seal between the tire, rim, and valve, replacing the traditional inner tube.
The process involves 3 main steps: Installation, Sealant Filling, and Inflation.

Essential Components

0

Preparation & Rim Taping

1. Clean the rim bed thoroughly.
2. Apply tubeless tape tightly, covering spoke holes.
3. Overlap tape by ~10cm at the valve hole.
4. Pierce a small hole for the valve and tighten the nut by hand only.

1

Install the Tire

Install the tire like a standard clincher. Push the bead into the center channel (drop center) of the rim to make mounting easier. "Massage" the tire to ensure even seating.

Pro Tip: Use soapy water or mounting fluid on the bead to help it slip into place.

2

Inject Sealant

1. Remove the valve core.
2. Inject ~30-60ml (Road) of sealant through the valve.
3. Re-install the valve core.

3

Inflate & Shake

Inflate quickly (using a pump with a reservoir or CO2 helps) to snap the beads into place. You should hear a satisfying "pop".

Shake the wheel to distribute sealant evenly.

✓ Ready to Roll!

How to Choose the Right Size

Tire width to rim internal width helper

Enter your tire width in millimetres to see an approximate compatible rim internal width range based on common ETRTO-style guidelines. Use the rim type toggle to see how hookless vs hooked shifts the suggested range. Always cross-check with brand charts and the specific recommendations from your rim and tire manufacturers.

Tire width (mm)

Rim type

Enter a tire width between about 18 and 80 mm to see a suggested rim internal width range.

Manufacturer Standards

The following hookless (TSS) and hooked (TC) rim inner width charts from DT Swiss show recommended (dark) and possible (light) combinations. Always stay within the limits specified by your tire and rim manufacturers.

HOOKLESS (TSS)

HOOKED (TC)

Tire Pressure

For safety and performance, the tire and rim on the bike must be perfectly matched. This applies all the more to tubeless tires. In addition to the classic hooked rims (crotched type), so-called "hookless" rims (straight side) are becoming increasingly popular on current model bikes. Hookless rims in particular place high demands on tubeless tires for safe operation. The Schwalbe TLR/TLE models (from model year 2020) are designed to meet these special requirements, especially in the bead core area, and are therefore generally compatible.

Rim manufacturers often use wider inner bead widths for their hookless rims. The air pressure should therefore be reduced accordingly, as the real volume of the tire increases with wider inner rim widths.

According to the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation), hookless rims have a maximum pressure of 5 bar for road bikes. This maximum tire pressure must be adhered to, or less if the maximum pressure stated by the rim/wheel manufacturer is lower, even if the maximum pressure printed or embossed on the tire is higher. Therefore, if the specified maximum pressure of the rim is lower than that of the tire, the maximum pressure of the rim must be observed. There are also restrictions imposed by the rim manufacturer with regard to the choice of tire, which must also be observed. Many rim and wheel manufacturers recommend a minimum tire width of 28 mm in order to be able to ride the low air pressure without any problems.

1. Why tire pressure matters

Performance: Too high → less grip; too low → more rolling resistance.
Safety: Overinflation can damage rims; underinflation increases risk of pinch flats.
Comfort: Proper pressure reduces vibrations and improves ride quality.

2. Key factors affecting pressure

Factor	Explanation	Adjustment direction
Rider weight	Heavier riders need higher pressure.	Add 5–10 psi for heavier riders.
Tire width	Wider tires can run lower pressure.	26×2.0 MTB: 30–50 psi; 700×25C road: 90–110 psi.
Terrain	Soft/muddy → lower pressure for grip; rocky → higher pressure for rim protection.	Off-road lower, on-road higher.
Riding style	Aggressive racing → higher pressure; casual riding → lower.	Racing: 110–130 psi; leisure: 80–100 psi.
Rim design	Wider rims support lower pressure; narrow rims require higher.	Follow manufacturer’s range.

3. Typical pressure ranges (approximate)

Road bikes: 80–120 psi (up to 130 psi for racing; as low as 70 psi for cobbled classics).
Mountain bikes: 30–60 psi (XC often 25–40 psi).
City / commuter bikes: 40–70 psi.

4. Practical tips

Check the sidewall: always follow the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Use a reliable gauge: don’t rely on "feel".
Inspect regularly: tires lose air naturally; check weekly or before rides.
Avoid extremes: never exceed max or drop below min pressure.
Seasonal adjustment: cold weather can lower pressure by around 10%.

5. Risks & warnings

Too high: harsh ride, potential rim damage.
Too low: pinch flats and poor handling.
Neglecting checks: gradual air loss reduces performance and safety.

Perfect pressure ensures optimum grip and stability

High tire pressure

+ Stability
+ Puncture protection
- Less grip
- Uncomfortable
- More rolling resistance on rough terrain

Low tire pressure

+ More grip
+ Better off-road rolling performance
+ Comfortable
- Less stability
- Less puncture protection

1

Choose Your Size

All necessary size information (ETRTO or Inch) can be found on your tire sidewall.

2

Select Valve Type

AVAuto / Schrader

Standard car valve. Length typical 40mm.

DVDunlop / Woods

Classic bicycle valve. Length 32/40mm.

SVPresta / French

Sport valve. Available in 40/50/60/80mm.

Schwalbe inner tube valve types and lengths overview

🔧 Pump & Rim Compatibility

Rim Height	Rec. Valve	Notes
≤25mm	40mm	Standard
30–45mm	60mm	Deep rim
50–65mm	80mm	Aero rim
≥70mm	Extender	Valve extender needed

3

Choose Model Type

Standard

Reliable hold. Good purity rubber. Uniform wall thickness.

Air Plus

Thicker walls. Holds air longer. Better puncture protection.

Extralight / XXLight

Reduced weight for racing. Available in select sizes.

Freeride

Large volume, low weight.

Downhill

Extremely robust. Reinforced base. Valve shear protection.