“Ideal” rim width for a 2.2” tyre

As above.

I run 2.25” tyres on rims that are ~18.5mm inner and ~24mm outer. I find that I have to run a much higher pressure than I guess is ideal due to the rim width and supple tyre walls.

I’m limited on frame clearance so I couldn’t risk a super wide rim or want to clatter a rim due to running a narrow(ish) tyre.

What is the hive mind’s thoughts?

25mm works very nicely for me with 2.2, 2.3 ish tyres.

I was going to suggest 25mm.

25mm, end of.

Thanks folks – I’m presuming these are inner rim measurements?

27.5mm internal.

Yes, 25mm rim means 25mm inner.

I went for 25mm too for running 2.2″. I figured it was a very flexible size; I could run a gravel tyre or a 2.4″ on it if the need arose.

21mm because Mavic decided it was good for up to 3″.

Honestly, it’s more about tyre profile, a narrower rim should mean a rounder profile so more cushion and lower pressure. Flatter rims tend to bottom out easier, compare and contrast a Mavic EX721 and EX729.

Run what works for you.

WTB rim / tyre width chart is fairly useful.

https://www.wtb.com/pages/tire-rim-fit-chart#

I’ve just ordered some 25mm rims for my 45 and 50mm gravel tyres. I run 30mm rims for 2.4 and 2.5 inch.

What rim widths are available to you?

25mm internal.

It’s weird how 25mm internal seems to be correct for 2.1 to 2.4in MTB tyres (and is my preference), but also for gravel bikes these days.

I’m also just fitting a set to my gravel bike today, fingers crossed for rear frame clearance ?

It’s weird how 25mm internal seems to be correct for 2.1 to 2.4in MTB tyres (and is my preference), but also for gravel bikes these days.

Is that more to do with aerodynamics – i.e. a smoother tyre to rim transition. That seems to be the blurb behind the new Zipp 303 XPLR wide rims (32mm internal).