Are you wondering what does 700x28c mean in a tire system? Follow this article to learn more about 700x28c tires and which inner tubes work best for them.
Unlike professional riders that know every part of their bicycles like the back of their hand, beginners might struggle to differentiate, even between subtle changes.
For instance, you can find different tire sizes like 700x40c, 700x35c, or 700x28c, which might make it challenging to find the right tire size for your bicycle. Furthermore, most manufacturers now depict their tires in inches, making tire differentiations more confusing.
If you are struggling to understand what 700x28c means, this article is for you. We will help you understand how to determine tire sizes in inches to make it easier for you.
Table of Contents
What Does 700x28c Mean In A Tire System?
If your bicycle tire says 700x28c, it is probably running on the old French system that employs millimeters for tire measurements. In short, 700x28c simply indicates the size of your tires in millimeters.
Here is a simple breakdown of a 700x28c tire in inches.
700 millimeters = 27.5 inches
But wait? What does the letter ‘c’ stand for? While avid riders will identify this letter in an instant, amateurs will have to dig deep to understand the meaning.
French Sizing System
According to the French tire sizing system, the 1st number indicates the nominal diameter of your bike’s tire in millimeters. Likewise, the 2nd number refers to the tire’s width when looked upon from the front.
For instance, in a 700x28c tire, the number ‘700’ indicates the nominal diameter of your tire, while 28 is the width of the tire in millimeters.
The letter ‘c’ is an identification code that allows users to identify a tire size. The French system also employs other letters to differentiate between different tire sizes and widths, with (d) being the widest classification.
However, most manufacturers have moved on to new measurement standards.
How To Determine Your Bicycle’s Tire Size
Even if you are not a tire expert, determining the right tire size for your bicycle can be effortless.
Here are the places you can find information about tire sizes.
On Your Tire’s Sidewall
One of the easiest places to locate the right tire size for your bicycle is within your bike itself.
For instance, manufacturers use the sidewall to print vital information regarding your tires. So, besides the brand logo and the name of the manufacturer, you will find the tire size printed on the sidewall.
Additionally, most brands paint their tire’s sidewalls in white or tan, making them easily accessible for everyone.
Bicycle Tire Size Chart
Apart from information printed on your tire’s sidewall, you can also visit a brand’s official website to check the tire size of your bike. Furthermore, most manufacturers also provide a user manual that also houses information regarding tire pressure, size, and maintenance instructions.
You can also do the same for your bike’s inner tube by checking a bicycle inner tube size conversion chart.
Professional Help
Besides referring to brand websites, you can also contact a professional bicycle expert to determine the right tire size for your bike. Furthermore, a professional expert will also help you with other issues, including maintenance concerns.
Can You Use Other Tire Sizes Instead Of 700x28c?
In simple terms, it would be unwise to fit other tires if your bike specifies that 700x28c tires are the perfect match for your bicycle.
However, you can choose between different tire options with identical tire measurements (700x28c) to suit your riding preferences.
For instance, if your riding habit includes cycling on rough terrains, tires with fewer treads or that aren’t close enough might suffer from punctures. In short, you will have to pick tires that perform well on uneven surfaces and rough terrains.
Likewise, riders who love speed will often find heavy tires boring. Since heavy tires come with durable materials and more cuts, they lack speed. So, you can opt for fast-rolling tires like Continental tires that help you gain momentum on smooth roads.
However, if you have a riding habit that involves multiple terrains, you can pick hybrid tires that offer identical performance for rough and smooth surfaces.
So what does 700x28c mean when buying new tires? Simple answer: Pick a tire that says 700x28c and nothing else.
Which Inner Tube Is Best For 700x28c Tires?
One of the first things that you need to consider when buying inner tubes for a 700x28c tire is to check the tube’s diameter. In short, the inner tube must have an identical diameter of 700 millimeters to your bike’s tire.
Likewise, checking the width of the tube is also crucial for getting a perfect fit for your inner tube. However, the width can vary depending on how much air you fill inside the tube, which means a 700×28-35 inner tube will fit perfectly inside a 700x28c bicycle tire.
Furthermore, you can use this tube with other tire configurations to up 35 millimeters in width.
But where can you find information regarding the inner tube size? Thankfully, most bike tires have this information printed on their sidewall, allowing riders to select the right tube with minimal fuss.
You can also refer to a bicycle inner tube size conversion chart if you do not find an inner tube based on the French system measurements.
How To Replace A 700x28c Bike Tire
Here are the steps you can follow to replace your bike tire.
- Remove the existing tire using the repair kit.
- Once you remove the tire, detach the tube.
- After detaching the tube, check the tube for punctures.
- Once you locate the cause, you can replace or repair the inner tube using the repair kit.
- Once done, install the new tire.
Final Thought
Understanding questions like “What does 700x28c mean in a tire system” can help you a lot in determining the right size for your tire. However, if you still have doubts regarding size conversions, you can refer to professional size charts or avid riders to get the right tire size for your bicycle.
