Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Wheel size change
#1
Hi all,

Someone just gave me a 32" cruiser bike. Yes, it's a boxstore bike, but they were kind enough to give it to me and I appreciate their generosity. The back tire has a gash in it, and I'm having a hard time finding a replacement. I'm contemplating downsizing the wheel set to a more common size. Seems like it will work as the bike is very simple: single speed, coaster brake. Spatial reasoning isn't my forte so sometimes I look at things like this thinking they will work, only to find out I'm mistaken. What do I need to think through on such a swap? Thanks in advance!!!
  Reply
#2
If it is genuinely a "32 inch" wheel and you went down to something like a standard 26" wheel, it would lower the bike a couple inches. You might have trouble with the pedals hitting the ground. There are larger wheel than 26", but finding one with a coaster brake will be tough.

First though, you should confirm what size wheel it really is. Bike wheel/tire sizing is notoriously confusing. On the sidewall of the tire, there should be a pair of numbers like 32-622 or 45-559. These are the actual tire dimensions in mm (width x diameter) and will tell the true size of the tire. There's a good list of sizes here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

If it is a big box store bike, it seems unlikely it would some obscure size wheel on it. But figure out what you have for sure first and go from there.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Tips for Cyclists
Today 11:04 AM
Colnago Steelnovo, a 3D printed steel bi...
Today 10:53 AM
Top 3 Bibshorts in terms of value
Today 10:50 AM
Wishing you an Awesome 2025 & many fun r...
Today 10:45 AM
E-Bikes: The Game-Changer for Cyclists
Today 10:43 AM
What jockey wheel Red 10 Speed
Today 10:38 AM
Close call yesterday! Why are brakes not...
Today 10:35 AM
Do you adjust your front suspension? If ...
Today 10:29 AM
Cycling is Anti-Aging, But There's a Cat...
Today 10:19 AM
With several methods of shipping being p...
Today 10:11 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 2. SPINMAN
16 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
14 posts
no avatar 4. enkei
11 posts
no avatar 5. rydabent
8 posts