Note: this article is about how to measure rims for tires.What size tire do you need to buy for your bicycle? There are so many different tire sizes and different systems for marking tire sizes that have been used over the years that this is often a serious problem, especially for older bicycles.We have a Whenever possible, you should try to match your new tire to the old tire, using the, if it is marked on the tire or rim.If the matches, it means the tire will fit on the rim. Tires are also designated for different widths, but you can interchange tires of different widths as long as you match the and the widths are not wildly out of line.But what do you do if you don't have the original tire, or if the markings are not legible? All is not lost! If you have a tape measure, you can measure the rim to determine the You can measure either the diameter or the circumference.Diameter.
The rim's diameter will generally be 5-10 mm larger than the ISO/E.T.R.T.O. Bead-seat diameter, depending on how high the rim flanges stick up above the bottom of the rim channel.Lay your measuring tape or ruler across the rim from one side to the other. Get the largest measurement, between two points directly opposite one another. Slide one end of the tape back and forth along the rim until the measurement is largest. Measure across a few different diameters and take the average, in case the rim isn't quite round. (If it's way out of round, don't use it. If it's a millimaeter or two out of round, the spokes will fix that.)Next you get out your pocket calculator or smartphone app, or if you attended elementary school before such things existed, you could use a paper and pencil.
As an example, the measured diameter of the rim shown in the photo is 20 7/8 inches, or 20.875 inches. Multiplying by 25.4 gives the diameter in millimeters, 530 mm.The table below gives common (and uncommon) rim sizes with the corresponding bead seat circumference dimensions. 530 mm is the outside diameter, and the ISO/E.T.R.T.O. Diameter is a few millimeters smaller, so this is a 520 mm rim.If you are working with an empty rim, it is easiest to measure the diameter, but if you have a built-up wheel, the hub will get in the way of the tape measure, making it difficult to get an accurate measurement. For a built-up wheel, it is easier to measure the rim's circumference.
You may measure the circumference of a rim by wrapping a measuring tape all the way around the rim. You derive the diameter from the circumference.A narrow, metal tape measure - 1/4 inch or 6 mm wide - will fit into the of the rim. (A wide metal tape measure won't fit into the well of the rim and and won't curve smoothly around the rim.)Don't trust a fabric measuring tape as used in fitting clothing. This kind is usually inaccurate, because the fabric stretches.Use the metal tape measure as shown in the image below.Here are the steps to measure using the circumference:. The tape has a tab at the end.
From 24” BMX rims to 29” long-distance rims, Ben’s Cycle has sizes and styles for every rider. We make it easy to find the perfect bicycle wheel rims. You can filter our selection by wheel size, ISO diameter, number of spokes (hub drilling), rim depth, brand, price, and much more. You can even narrow it down to the rim material and rim color.
There are some OEM suppliers in China, but that probably won't help you.The best place to start might be on a wheelchair racing forum, or by looking at some wheelchairs and seeing if you can find a rim with a decal on it.It's also possible that a few aluminum makers offer them, but don't list with the bicycle products. Try your luck with Sun Metal, and maybe one of their people can give you a lead.Over the years, I've found all sorts of good connections, by calling companies in relate areas, getting someone in sales or purchasing, and working leads from one to another until I found someone who could help. BTW- in most industries are small worlds, where everybody knows each other to some degree so once you have one name, it'll open doors to others, as in 'I was speaking to XXX and he said you might be able to help'.
The next issue is who makes tires and tubes in 540 mm, are they good for your purpose, and will they be at the LBS that you limp to on the next ride. In my experience, at least, there are only a few choices and they are only available mail/online.The one bike I restored that had 540 mm rims (actually French 600A which is 541 mm), I replaced with narrow 559 mm (26'/MTB) rims for which there is a good selection of tires and tubes, and a decent chance of finding one at a LBS. Also easier to find said rims used, and in the correct drilling (# spokes) for your hubs.Check your brake caliper reach and frame clearance, to see if this is an easy swap.