Hybrid Bike Wheel Sizes

Currently, 700c is the mainstream, and there are many wheel options available. Besides 700c, there are also 26-inch and 650c wheels. The advantage of 700c wheels is the wide range of tire widths you can choose from. Hybrid bikes are primarily designed for city riding, so they typically come with thicker, stability-focused 28c or 32c tires. However, riders prioritizing speed can also install narrower 23c or 25c tires.

A hybrid bike is a bicycle that combines the best features of MTBs and road bikes. It's easy to understand if you think of it as an MTB frame fitted with road bike wheels.

Important Considerations When Choosing Hybrid Bike Wheels

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing hybrid bike wheels.

Difference in Rear Spacing (OLD)

This refers to the length of a part called the "rear spacing" (OLD). Rear spacing is the length between the ends of the "hub" in the center of the wheel. For front wheels, both hybrid bikes and road bikes have a 100mm OLD. For rear wheels, hybrid bikes have OLDs of 130mm and 135mm, while road bikes have 130mm. If your hybrid bike has a 130mm OLD, you can directly install road bike wheels. However, if it's 135mm, you generally cannot. That said, it is possible to install them by using parts called hub conversion adapters or spacers.

Disk Brake Compatibility

Whether your hybrid bike frame is compatible with disc brakes further expands your wheel options. For disc brake-compatible hybrid bikes, the OLD is 135mm for quick release and 142mm for thru-axle. There are mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes; with the former, you can even reuse your existing brake levers. Switching to disc brakes significantly improves braking performance.

What Happens When You Change Hybrid Bike Wheels?

When you change your hybrid bike wheels, you'll notice that riding becomes easier even when pedaling as usual. Benefits include lighter initial acceleration, longer coasting distances when you stop pedaling, and increased top speed. Changing wheels is a highly cost-effective customization that even casual riders will notice a difference, not just those who ride daily.

Steps for Replacing Hybrid Bike Wheels

This process is done in conjunction with replacing tires and sprockets. You will need a repair stand (bike stand), new inner tubes, new tires, new wheels, a sprocket remover, tire levers, and an adjustable wrench, among other tools.

The steps are:

1. Secure the bike on a repair stand (bike stand)
2. Remove the quick release skewer
3. Remove the wheel
4. Install the tire and sprocket onto the new wheel
5. Install the wheel

These are the 5 steps.

1. Secure the bike on a repair stand (bike stand)

A repair stand is ideal, but if you don't have one, use a bike stand. It's important to use a stand to prevent the bike from falling over and getting damaged or scratched during the replacement. If you don't have a bike stand, you might have to work with the hybrid bike upside down.

2. Remove the quick release skewer

Remove the quick release skewer that holds the wheel in place. This is not particularly difficult. Simply pull the quick release lever and twist it to remove it.

3. Remove the wheel

Once the quick release is off, you can remove the wheel. However, if the tire is wide, it may interfere with the brake pads, making it difficult to remove.

Either remove the brake cable and brake pads, or deflate the tire to address this.

4. Install the tire and sprocket onto the new wheel

Install the tire and sprocket onto the rear wheel. If you are reusing the tire and sprocket, reattach them as needed after removing the old wheel. Use tire levers to remove the tire, and a sprocket remover and adjustable wrench to remove the sprocket.

5. Install the wheel