How to Change From 26 Inch Wheels to 20 Inch Wheels on a Bicycle

Some cyclists may prefer a smaller wheel set. Changing to a smaller wheel set will lower the overall height of the bicycle, making it easier to mount and dismount for a smaller rider. Before swapping wheels, make sure your new wheels are compatible with your existing bicycle. The rear wheel, for example, will be fitted with a set of cogs (called the cassette). Not all cogs are compatible with your existing drive train, so check manufacturer standards.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench (as needed)
  • 5 mm Allen key
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Instructions

  1. Removal

    • 1

      Use the shifters to shift the chain to the largest gear combination. This will place the chain on the smallest rear cog and largest front chain ring.

    • 2

      Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the axle nuts on both sides of the wheel. Some wheels may be outfitted with a quick-release skewer, in which case you merely simply open the skewer lever and loosen the nut on the other end by hand.

    • 3

      Turn the bike upside down, so that it's resting on the seat and handlebar. Remove each 26-inch wheel from the bike, and set them aside.

    Installation

    • 4

      Install each new, 20-inch wheel in turn onto the bicycle. If the wheels have existing axle nuts or axle skewers, you may need to first loosen them so that they can clear the sides of the bicycle frame. If the wheels do not have nuts or skewers, use the ones from your old wheels.

    • 5

      Tighten the nut on the axle, using the adjustable wrench. For wheels with quick-release skewers, tighten the one nut and then close the quick-release arm. If you cannot close the arm, loosen the nut a little and try again.

    • 6

      Adjust each brake so that both pads strike the side of the rim when braking. This can be accomplished by using a 5 mm Allen key (also called a hex key) to loosen the bolt at the back of each pad. Reposition the pad as needed, and re-tighten the bolt.