Need help determining what tire I need
 

Normally I am able to determine the size of the tire needed by looking at the tire needed replacement, and I did just that. Unfortunately, 26 138 c78 does not mean 26" & 1 3/8" which is the size of the tire I bought. Should have brought my wheel. The tire was way to big for this wheel.

The bicycle is an older Giant Innova I purchased from my stepmother for my wife. I went ahead and did some measurements, but only had a standard tape and my values are a little bit off. The tire diameter is about 577mm but looking at the wheel sizes it is most likely 571mm. The inside rim width is 15.75mm and outside is 21.3mm. From what I gather at sheldons web page the correct wheel size would be either 26 x 1 or 650 C. If these tires fit the wheel size which tire should I get for the width of the rim?

Thanks

Branden

Giant Innovas have always had 700c-sized wheels, to my knowledge. I would expect a standard hybrid-type tire (700x35 to 700x45) to be a good fit.

These are definitely not 700c wheels. Like I said this is an older Innova, so a lot has changed since then. I know the innovas I researched online all had 700c wheels, sadly mine does not.

Does the rim have a size stamped into it, or a sticker?

Examine your old tire carefully to see if you can find an ERTO number on it.

There are several different 26 X 1 3/8 tire sizes and they don't interchange. Good luck on finding the one that you need.

Honestly, if it was my bike, I'd take this as a sign that it's time to cut my losses.