Are 26" by 1 3/8" tyres interchangable with 26" by 1 1/4"?

Question

The rims look virtually identical in size. Is it just a different width of tyre for the same rim size?

Answer 1

While mountain bike rims are 26" the tire size is denoted as 26 x 1.50 for example the rim size 26" is followed by a tire width noted as X.XX notice the decimal point! The problem with 26" followed by a fractional size is that the rim might be a 650A, 650B or 650C based on the fractional size and the internal diameter varies only a few millimeters, making tire size interchange very tricky. Trevor's link will help clear this up, pay close attention to the third column on page 5 and you will notice that the internal diameters are different 571, 584 & 590, this will cause the tire not to be able to be mounted correctly on the rim as intended, while close no cigar!

If you want a little history on these sizes check here:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/rims....

Answer 2

no, 26 x 1 3/8 is for old style roadster and is not interchangeable with either 26 x 1 3/4 or 26 x 1 1/4, nor are any of them interchangeable with each other.

You need to look at the ERTO size, for 26 x 1 3/4 ie a MTB tyres, this will be something like 47 x 559, with the latter size the rim dia.

Answer 3

If both tires have FRACTIONAL dimensions on them then they should be OK. If one has FRACTIONAL and one has DECIMAL then they will NOT be compatible.

Regarding width, if the bike is a lightweight then you will have problems putting on 1-3/4" tires. There just isn't enough room in width OR height. If it is a middleweight then you should be OK.

Answer 4

As long as you stick with the fractional sized tires they will fit the rim. A jump in width of 3/8 should not be an issue clearance wise.

Answer 5

Yes, they are/ There are different sizes of tires that will fit on each rim size. When purchasing your tire, talk with the salesman. He can give you the range of tire sizes that fit on the rims.

Answer 6

no it's not because the second one is more than the first one